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Invocations: meaning, definitions and examples

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invocations

 

[ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃənz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious practices

Invocations are prayers or supplications made to a deity or higher power, often seeking guidance, protection, or blessings. They are commonly used in religious ceremonies, rituals, and spiritual practices.

Synonyms

chants, prayers, supplications.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
invocations

Formal or ceremonial settings when requesting help or presence, typically from a deity.

  • The priest began the ceremony with invocations to the gods.
  • Her speech included an invocation for peace and unity.
prayers

Personal or communal communication with a deity, usually asking for guidance, help, or expressing thanks. Common in many religions.

  • Every evening, she knelt by her bed for her nightly prayers.
  • They gathered to offer prayers for the victims of the disaster.
supplications

Humble and earnest requests, often associated with asking for mercy or help from a deity. Can also be used in a non-religious, formal context.

  • In his desperation, he made supplications to God for help.
  • She sent a letter of supplication to the governor, pleading for clemency.
chants

Repetitive singing or speaking, often in religious or spiritual practices, sometimes used in protests or sports events.

  • The monks' chants echoed through the ancient temple.
  • The fans united in chants to support their team.

Examples of usage

  • During the ceremony, the priest recited invocations to the gods.
  • The shaman performed invocations to call upon the spirits for healing.
  • The monks chanted invocations for peace and harmony.
  • The invocations offered gratitude for the blessings received.
  • The invocation invoked the presence of the divine.
Context #2 | Noun

formal requests

Invocations can also refer to formal requests or calls for assistance or support, typically in a public or ceremonial setting. They are often used to officially begin or open an event or gathering.

Synonyms

appeals, calls, requests.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
invocations

Use this word when referring to a formal prayer or the act of calling upon a deity or spirit, often in a religious or ceremonial context.

  • The priest began the ceremony with an invocation for peace.
  • The shaman's invocation was meant to bring good fortune.
requests

Appropriate for formal or polite asks for something, typically when asking for information, permission, or assistance.

  • She submitted a request for vacation days.
  • His request for more information was granted.
calls

This can be used in a variety of contexts, including making a phone call, shouting to get someone's attention, or making a public announcement or demand.

  • He made a call to his friend to invite him to the party.
  • The director's call for action resonated with the audience.
appeals

This word is appropriate when asking earnestly for something, often implying a sense of urgency or a request for help, sympathy, or support.

  • The charity made an urgent appeal for donations after the natural disaster.
  • Her emotional appeal for understanding touched everyone in the room.

Examples of usage

  • The mayor made an invocation at the beginning of the city council meeting.
  • The president delivered an invocation before the national conference.
  • The judge offered an invocation for wisdom and justice in the courtroom.
  • The invocations expressed unity and solidarity among the attendees.
  • The opening invocation set the tone for the event.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'invocatio', meaning 'to call upon'.
  • Its roots combine 'in-' (upon) and 'vocare' (to call), highlighting the act of calling on something external.

Religious Context

  • In many religions, invocations are part of rituals, where worshippers call upon deities for guidance and support.
  • Christian traditions often include invocations in prayers, particularly at the start of ceremonies, asking for the presence of God.

Literature

  • Many epic poems, like Homer's 'Iliad', begin with an invocation to the Muse, seeking inspiration for storytelling.
  • The concept of invoking spirits is a common theme in Gothic literature, where characters often call upon supernatural entities.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, shamans or spiritual leaders perform invocations during rituals to connect with ancestors or spirits.
  • Meditation practices may involve invocations to focus energy and clarity, showing the personal and communal aspect of the practice.

Psychological Perspective

  • Invocations can be viewed as a means to harness intention and focus the mind, similar to affirmations used in psychology.
  • Some psychologists suggest that invoking positive thoughts can enhance well-being and reduce anxiety in stressful situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "invocations" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invocações

🇮🇳 आह्वान

🇩🇪 Beschwörungen

🇮🇩 pemanggilan

🇺🇦 виклики

🇵🇱 wezwania

🇯🇵 召喚

🇫🇷 invocations

🇪🇸 invocaciones

🇹🇷 çağrılar

🇰🇷 호출

🇸🇦 نداءات

🇨🇿 vyvolání

🇸🇰 vyvolania

🇨🇳 祈求

🇸🇮 klici

🇮🇸 köll

🇰🇿 шақырулар

🇬🇪 მოწოდებები

🇦🇿 çağırışlar

🇲🇽 invocaciones

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,968, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.