Invoke vs. Evoke: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 6, 2023
"Invoke" means to call upon authority or aid, while "Evoke" means to bring out feelings, memories, or reactions.
Key Differences
"Invoke" is primarily about calling upon something more tangible, often with a sense of purpose or necessity. It can be seen in contexts where one might "invoke" a rule or a deity. For instance, in legal situations, one might invoke the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which means to call upon its authority to protect oneself from self-incrimination. Similarly, in religious practices, people might invoke a deity through prayer or ritual, asking for guidance, blessings, or intervention.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
"Evoke," contrastingly, deals with intangibles like emotions, memories, or reactions. It's about drawing something out from within. For instance, a song might evoke memories of childhood or a painting might evoke feelings of serenity. The objective of evoking is not to call upon an external source for assistance, but rather to stir up internal responses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
At times, the lines between "invoke" and "evoke" might seem blurred, but the distinction largely rests on their directionality. "Invoke" generally has an outward direction, signaling a request or plea to an external entity. "Evoke" is inward, focusing on the inner landscape of emotions and recollections.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Another nuanced difference is their sense of intention. With "invoke," there's a clearer intent, whether it's invoking a rule or a higher power. The act of invoking is deliberate, stemming from a need or objective. On the other hand, "evoke" might happen unintentionally. A certain scent, for instance, can unexpectedly evoke memories of a past event.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
In essence, while both words are about bringing something forth, "invoke" typically deals with summoning aid or authority, and "evoke" is about eliciting emotions, memories, or reactions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Call upon authority or aid
Bring out feelings, memories, or reactions
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
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Invoke and Evoke Definitions
Evoke
To elicit a memory
The smell evoked memories of his grandmother's kitchen.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Invoke
To call on (a higher power) for assistance, support, or inspiration
"Stretching out her hands she had the air of a Greek woman who invoked a deity" (Ford Madox Ford).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Evoke
To give rise to; draw forth; produce
Words that evoked a smile.
Actions that evoked mistrust.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evoke
To call to mind, as by suggestion, association, or reference
Songs that evoke old memories.
A speech that evoked the words of Jefferson.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
To resort to; use or apply
"Shamelessly, he invokes coincidence to achieve ironic effect" (Newsweek).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evoke
To create anew, especially by means of the imagination
A novel that accurately evokes the Depression.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
(transitive) To call upon (a person, a god) for help, assistance or guidance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
(transitive) To solicit, petition for, appeal to a favorable attitude.
The envoy invoked the King of Kings's magnanimity to reduce his province's tribute after another drought.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evoke
To cause the manifestation of something (emotion, picture, etc.) in someone's mind or imagination.
Being here evokes long forgotten memories.
Seeing this happen equally evokes fear and anger in me.
The book evokes a detailed and lively picture of what life was like in the 19th century.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
(transitive) To appeal for validation to a (notably cited) authority.
In certain Christian circles, invoking the Bible constitutes irrefutable proof.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evoke
To call out; to summon forth.
To evoke the queen of the fairies.
A regulating discipline of exercise, that whilst evoking the human energies, will not suffer them to be wasted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
(transitive) To conjure up with incantations.
This satanist ritual invokes Beelzebub.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
(transitive) To bring about as an inevitable consequence.
Blasphemy is taboo as it may invoke divine wrath.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evoke
Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
To cause (a program or subroutine) to execute.
Interactive programs let the users enter choices and invoke the corresponding routines.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
To call on for aid or protection; to invite earnestly or solemnly; to summon; to address in prayer; to solicit or demand by invocation; to implore; as, to invoke the Supreme Being, or to invoke His and blessing.
Go, my dread lord, to your great grandsire's tomb, . . . Invoke his warlike spirit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evoke
Deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning);
We drew out some interesting linguistic data from the native informant
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
Evoke or call forth, with or as if by magic;
Raise the specter of unemployment
He conjured wild birds in the air
Stir a disturbance
Call down the spirits from the mountain
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evoke
Evoke or call forth, with or as if by magic;
Raise the specter of unemployment
He conjured wild birds in the air
Stir a disturbance
Call down the spirits from the mountain
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
Cite as an authority; resort to;
He invoked the law that would save him
I appealed to the law of 1900
She invoked an ancient law
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
Request earnestly (something from somebody); ask for aid or protection;
Appeal to somebody for help
Invoke God in times of trouble
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Invoke
To summon with incantations
The priest invoked blessings upon the congregation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
Does "Evoke" always deal with emotions?
Often, but it can also relate to memories or reactions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Invoke" be used to call upon rules?
Yes, like invoking a law or regulation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Can one "Invoke" a deity?
Yes, it means to call upon a deity, often through prayer.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Does "Evoke" have an outward direction?
No, evoke is more about drawing out from within.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Can a song "Evoke" nostalgia?
Yes, a song can evoke memories or feelings from the past.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Invoke" always formal?
Often, but it can also be used in casual contexts with the idea of calling upon.
Sara Rehman
Nov 04, 2023
Can art "Evoke" emotions?
Yes, art often evokes a range of emotions in the viewer.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Evoke" always intentional?
No, some things can unintentionally evoke memories or feelings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Invoke" about eliciting emotions?
Typically, it's about calling upon aid or authority.
Janet White
Nov 04, 2023
Does "Invoke" always imply a serious tone?
Often, but context can vary the tone.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Evoke" about making a formal request?
No, it's more about eliciting or drawing out reactions or memories.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Invoke" be used in religious ceremonies?
Yes, to call upon or summon divine intervention.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Does "Evoke" focus on the present?
It deals with the present response to a stimulus, which can be tied to past memories.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
Can "Evoke" be related to sensory experiences?
Yes, sights, sounds, or smells can evoke memories.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 04, 2023
Is "Evoke" synonymous with "Remind"?
Not exactly, but both can deal with recalling memories.
Harlon Moss
Nov 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
