Evoke vs. Invoke
While we don't use these words very often evoke and invoke can be easily mistaken and wrongly used. Both have to do with calling forth or summoning, but there are subtle differences in the purposes for which something is called. Let's look a little more closely.
Evoke is a verb that means to suggest, to call to mind. It is not as purposeful, and it does not suggest that you are calling forth because you expect action. It is more of a calling attention to.
1. The painting, with its soft watercolors, evoked Monet in my mind.
2. The smell of the cookies baking evoked memories of my Grandmother's house at Christmas.
3. The jokes did not evoke the laughter that the comedian had hoped for.
Invoke is a verb that means to call forth or to summon for the purpose of help or action. It is more purposeful and suggests action. The word was originally used to refer to the calling forth of a god or a spirit.
1. The child invoked her father's help when the bullies would not leave her alone.
2. The judge invoked the principles of the Constitution as he justified his sentence for the defendant.
3. The priest invoked the presence of God as he said the prayer during the worship service.
These words are closely related, but there are shades of difference in their meaning. Invoke is more of a direct appeal-a call to action or an appeal for help. Evoke is more of a calling to mind or calling attention to.
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