verb
evoke
ih-VOHK
verb
1
To bring a feeling, memory, or image to someone's mind.
"The old photograph evoked memories of her grandmother's kitchen."
"The song evokes a sense of nostalgia."
2
To provoke or draw out a particular reaction or response.
"The announcement evoked strong criticism from environmental groups."
How to Use Evoke
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bring something to mind or trigger a reaction.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "invoke" (to call upon or put into effect, e.g. invoke a rule); "evoke" is about triggering feelings or images.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
evoke memories
evoke a response
evoke emotion
Word Forms
evoked past tense, evokes singular
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The old photograph _____ memories of her grandmother's kitchen.
Etymology
From French évoquer, from Latin ēvocāre, "to call out or summon," from ex- ("out") + vocāre ("to call"); related to "voice."