Invoke vs. Evoke: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Call upon authority or aid
Bring out feelings, memories, or reactions
Example Usage
"Invoke a law"
"Evoke emotions"
Directionality
Outward
Inward
Intentionality
Usually intentional
Can be unintentional
Associated Contexts
Legal, religious
Artistic, sensory
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Invoke and Evoke Definitions
Invoke
To call upon formally
She invoked her right to remain silent.
Evoke
To elicit a memory
The smell evoked memories of his grandmother's kitchen.
Invoke
To bring about or cause
The speech invoked a strong reaction.
Evoke
To suggest through artistry
The painting evokes a sense of calm.
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).
Evoke
To summon a reaction
Her words evoked laughter.
Invoke
To appeal to or cite in support or justification.
Evoke
To bring to the conscious mind
The story evoked old feelings.
Invoke
To call for earnestly; solicit
Invoked the help of a passing motorist.
Evoke
To give rise to; draw forth; produce
Words that evoked a smile.
Actions that evoked mistrust.
Invoke
To summon with incantations; conjure.
Evoke
To call to mind, as by suggestion, association, or reference
Songs that evoke old memories.
A speech that evoked the words of Jefferson.
Invoke
To resort to; use or apply
"Shamelessly, he invokes coincidence to achieve ironic effect" (Newsweek).
Evoke
To create anew, especially by means of the imagination
A novel that accurately evokes the Depression.
Invoke
(Computers) To activate or start (a program, for example).
Evoke
To summon by magical or supernatural power; conjure.
Invoke
(transitive) To call upon (a person, a god) for help, assistance or guidance.
Evoke
To call out; to draw out or bring forth.
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.
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.
Invoke
(transitive) To call to mind (something) for some purpose.
Evoke
To elicit a response.
Invoke
(transitive) To appeal for validation to a (notably cited) authority.
In certain Christian circles, invoking the Bible constitutes irrefutable proof.
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.
Invoke
(transitive) To conjure up with incantations.
This satanist ritual invokes Beelzebub.
Evoke
To call away; to remove from one tribunal to another.
Invoke
(transitive) To bring about as an inevitable consequence.
Blasphemy is taboo as it may invoke divine wrath.
Evoke
Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy
Invoke
To cause (a program or subroutine) to execute.
Interactive programs let the users enter choices and invoke the corresponding routines.
Evoke
Call forth;
Her behavior provoked a quarrel between the couple
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.
Evoke
Deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning);
We drew out some interesting linguistic data from the native informant
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
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
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
Evoke
Call to mind or evoke
Invoke
Request earnestly (something from somebody); ask for aid or protection;
Appeal to somebody for help
Invoke God in times of trouble
Evoke
To call forth emotions
The movie evoked tears from the audience.
Invoke
To appeal to as an authority
The defense invoked the new evidence.
Invoke
To summon with incantations
The priest invoked blessings upon the congregation.
Invoke
To make a request or plea
He invoked the judge's mercy.
FAQs
Does "Evoke" always deal with emotions?
Often, but it can also relate to memories or reactions.
Can "Invoke" be used to call upon rules?
Yes, like invoking a law or regulation.
Can one "Invoke" a deity?
Yes, it means to call upon a deity, often through prayer.
What's a synonym for "Invoke"?
"Summon" can be a synonym in some contexts.
Does "Evoke" have an outward direction?
No, evoke is more about drawing out from within.
Can a song "Evoke" nostalgia?
Yes, a song can evoke memories or feelings from the past.
Is "Invoke" always formal?
Often, but it can also be used in casual contexts with the idea of calling upon.
Can art "Evoke" emotions?
Yes, art often evokes a range of emotions in the viewer.
Can "Invoke" be used in a legal context?
Yes, like invoking one's rights.
Is "Evoke" always intentional?
No, some things can unintentionally evoke memories or feelings.
Is "Invoke" about eliciting emotions?
Typically, it's about calling upon aid or authority.
Can one "Invoke" a privilege?
Yes, like invoking diplomatic immunity.
Does "Invoke" always imply a serious tone?
Often, but context can vary the tone.
Can an event "Evoke" a response?
Yes, events can evoke reactions or feelings.
Is "Evoke" about making a formal request?
No, it's more about eliciting or drawing out reactions or memories.
Can "Invoke" be used in religious ceremonies?
Yes, to call upon or summon divine intervention.
Does "Evoke" focus on the present?
It deals with the present response to a stimulus, which can be tied to past memories.
Can "Invoke" mean to bring about?
Yes, like invoking a change or reaction.
Can "Evoke" be related to sensory experiences?
Yes, sights, sounds, or smells can evoke memories.
Is "Evoke" synonymous with "Remind"?
Not exactly, but both can deal with recalling memories.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
