C1verb2K

Evoke

UK /["/ɪˈvəʊk/","/ɪˈvəʊks/","/ɪˈvəʊkt/","/ɪˈvəʊkɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪˈvəʊk/","/ɪˈvəʊks/","/ɪˈvəʊkt/","/ɪˈvəʊkɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to bring a feeling, a memory or an image into your mind

In simple words: To bring a memory or feeling to your mind.

Examples

  • The music **evoked memories** of her youth.
  • His case is unlikely to evoke public sympathy.
  • Her face, though sad, still evoked a feeling of serenity.
  • The novel vividly evokes the life of the Irish in Australia.
  • products that help evoke an old-fashioned mood
  • the actor's ability to evoke a variety of emotions

Usage notes

Use 'evoke' when discussing memories, feelings, or emotions, especially in literary or artistic contexts. It's less common in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

evoke + object

Memory hint

Think of 'e-voke' as 'e-voke' those feelings, like a voice calling them out.

Collocations

  • beautifully
  • clearly
  • effectively
  • attempt to
  • seek to
  • try to
  • the ability to evoke something
  • the power to evoke something

Synonyms

  • call forth
  • invoke
  • bring to mind
  • elicit
  • generate

Antonyms

  • suppress
  • forget
  • ignore

Common mistakes

  • 'Evoke' confused with 'invoke', which means to call upon.
  • 'Evoke' used without an object (e.g. 'evoke strong feelings' should be 'evoke strong feelings in someone').
  • 'Evoke' incorrectly used in place of 'arouse' when discussing responses.