Invoke vs. Evoke: Make Sure You Get It Right!

Last updated on September 13, 2024 by Jim Manheim
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Invoke and evoke are two verbs that sound similar and are sometimes confused, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Here’s how to differentiate between them:

The Difference between Invoke vs. Evoke

Quick Tips:

  • Use “invoke” when you mean to call upon a law, authority, or higher power for support or to put something into effect.
  • Use “evoke” when you mean to bring an emotion, memory, or image to mind.
Invoke vs. Evoke
Invoke vs. Evoke – Created by 7ESL

Invoke vs. Evoke: Definition, Usage and Examples

What Does Invoke Mean? 

  • Meaning: To call upon something, such as a law, authority, higher power, or aid; or to put something into effect. It often implies an appeal to something or someone in a formal or authoritative way.
  • Use: Typically used in contexts where someone is calling for support, enforcement, or inspiration from an external source.
  • Example:
    • “The lawyer invoked the right to free speech in her defense.”
    • “He invoked the gods for protection.”
  • Explanation: In these examples, “invoke” is used to call upon a law (right to free speech) or a higher power (gods) for support or protection.

What Does Evoke Mean?

  • Meaning: To bring a feeling, memory, image, or response to mind; to cause something to be remembered or felt.
  • Use: Often used when referring to emotions, memories, or reactions that are brought out or recalled.
  • Example:
    • “The old photographs evoked memories of her childhood.”
    • “The song evokes a sense of nostalgia.”
  • Explanation: In these examples, “evoke” is used to describe how something brings a memory or emotion to mind.

Tips to Remember the Difference

  • Think of Invoke as Involving: ‘In’ for ‘Invoke’ to remember it’s about calling in help or law.
  • Link Evoke with Emotion: ‘E’ for ‘Evoke’ and ‘Emotion’ to recall its association with feelings and responses.

Common Mistakes with “Invoke” vs. “Evoke”

Using “invoke” instead of “evoke” for emotional responses:

  • Incorrect: “The movie invoked a sense of sadness.”
  • Correct: “The movie evoked a sense of sadness.”
  • Explanation: “Evoke” is the correct word to use when describing something that brings about an emotion or feeling.

Using “evoke” instead of “invoke” for calling on authority or support:

  • Incorrect: “He evoked the committee’s rules to stop the discussion.”
  • Correct: “He invoked the committee’s rules to stop the discussion.”
  • Explanation: “Invoke” is the correct word when referring to calling upon authority or rules to justify an action.

Confusing “invoke” with “evoke” in formal contexts:

  • Incorrect: “The leader evoked his constitutional powers to enforce the decision.”
  • Correct: “The leader invoked his constitutional powers to enforce the decision.”
  • Explanation: “Invoke” is used in formal or legal contexts when referring to calling upon laws, powers, or authorities.

Invoke vs. Evoke: Examples

Example Sentences Using Invoke

  • We will invoke our company’s return policy to address your complaint.
  • In the courtroom, our lawyer invoked the Fifth Amendment on our behalf.
  • We must invoke an ancient tradition to honor our ancestors during the ceremony.
  • The activists sought to invoke public support to further their cause.
  • Our group decided to invoke a debate challenge under the university’s competition rules.

Example Sentences Using Evoke

  • The poignant photograph evoked a sense of nostalgia in us.
  • Our grandmother’s recipes often evoke childhood memories in the kitchen.
  • The national anthem evokes a deep sense of patriotism amongst our citizens.
  • The fragrance of the rain on dry earth evokes the arrival of spring for many of us.
  • The movie’s soundtrack was able to evoke powerful emotions, resonating with our own experiences.

Related Confused Words

Invoke vs. Call

  • Invoke: We use this when we’re referring to the action of citing or appealing to something such as a law, authority, or figure for support.
    • Example: We might invoke the Fifth Amendment in a legal proceeding.
  • Call: This is a more general term that denotes to summon, request, or demand.
    • Example: We may call a friend on the phone or call for submissions in a contest.

Evoke vs. Provoke

  • Evoke: We employ evoke when we aim to bring about a feeling, memory, or image.
    • Example: A nostalgic song can evoke memories of summer camp.
  • Provoke: Contrarily, provoke is used when we intend to stimulate a reaction, often something strong or unwelcome.
    • Example: A controversial statement might provoke a heated debate.
 
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