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Evoking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evoking

[ɪˈvoʊkɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotion

Bringing or recalling a feeling, memory, or image to mind.

Synonyms

arouse, evoke, invoke, trigger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evoking

Used when something brings strong feelings, memories, or images to mind. Often used in artistic or emotional contexts.

  • The painting is evoking memories of my childhood
  • The song has a way of evoking deep emotions within listeners
invoke

Used when calling upon a higher power for help, or when referencing a law, right, or principle to support an argument. Often has a formal or legal tone.

  • The priest invoked the blessings of the deity
  • She invoked her right to remain silent
arouse

Typically used when something stimulates a reaction, emotion, or desire. Can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context.

  • The speech was intended to arouse the crowd to action
  • His actions aroused suspicion among his colleagues
evoke

Used when something brings a particular feeling, memory, or image to one's mind. Often used in literature, art, and discussions about emotions.

  • The old house evoked memories of my grandparents
  • The movie evoked a sense of nostalgia
trigger

Typically used when something causes an event or reaction, often suddenly. Can sometimes have a negative connotation, especially when referring to emotional or psychological responses.

  • The smell of the perfume triggered her allergies
  • The incident triggered a series of unfortunate events

Examples of usage

  • The painting evoked strong emotions in the viewers.
  • The smell of fresh bread evoked memories of childhood.
Context #2 | Verb

art

Creating a strong reaction or response in the audience.

Synonyms

inspire, provoke, stimulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inspire

Used when you want to encourage someone to feel more positive or creative, often leading them to take action or achieve something. It’s mostly positive.

  • Her speech inspired me to pursue my dreams.
  • The beauty of the mountains inspires many artists.
provoke

Used to describe a situation where an action or statement causes a strong reaction, often anger or controversy. It has a negative connotation.

  • His rude comments provoked a heated argument.
  • The politician's remarks provoked outrage among the people.
stimulate

Used when you want to encourage activity or uplift energy levels, often in a mental or physical context. It can be neutral or positive.

  • Caffeine can stimulate the brain and improve focus.
  • The teacher's innovative methods stimulate students' interest in the subject.

Examples of usage

  • The artist's use of color evoked a sense of tranquility.
  • The music evoked a feeling of nostalgia in the listeners.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that certain scents can evoke vivid memories, making smell a powerful trigger for nostalgia.
  • Emotional memories are often easier to recall than neutral ones, a phenomenon known as emotional memory evocation.
  • Art and storytelling are known to evoke emotions, linking them to personal experiences and collective cultural narratives.

Art and Literature

  • Many poets use evocative language to paint pictures in readers' minds, aiming to stir emotions.
  • Famous artworks, like Picasso's 'Guernica,' evoke deep feelings about war and suffering, illustrating the power of visual art.
  • Even in movies, music is often used to evoke emotions during key scenes, enhancing the viewer's connection to the story.

Cultural Significance

  • In different cultures, music has the power to evoke national pride and collective memory, especially during ceremonies.
  • Some festivals are designed to evoke feelings of joy and community, focusing on shared traditions and experiences.
  • Stories and folklore often evoke moral lessons, helping to pass down cultural values through generations.

Pop Culture

  • Popular songs often evoke nostalgia, reminding listeners of younger days or significant life events.
  • Movies with evocative soundtracks can change the atmosphere entirely, making dramatic moments even more impactful.
  • Social media trends can evoke collective reactions, sparking widespread emotion and engagement across platforms.

Origin of 'evoking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'evoking' comes from the Latin word 'evocare,' meaning 'to call out.' This reflects how it draws out feelings or thoughts.
  • 'Evocare' was originally used in a religious context, where it indicated calling upon gods or spirits.
  • In the 19th century, the word was commonly used in literature to describe how art sparks feelings in the audience.

The word 'evoking' comes from the Latin word 'evocare', which means 'to call forth'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the act of bringing something to mind or creating a strong reaction. Over the years, 'evoking' has been widely used in literature, art, and everyday language to convey the idea of stirring emotions or memories.

See also: evocation, evocative, evoke.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,556, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.