Invocations: meaning, definitions and examples

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invocations

 

[ ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃənz ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'invocations' has its roots in the Latin word 'invocatio,' which means 'calling upon' or 'summoning.' It has been used for centuries in various religious and ceremonial contexts to seek divine assistance or guidance. The practice of invocations dates back to ancient civilizations and continues to be a significant aspect of many spiritual traditions.

See also: invocation, invoke.

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.