Evocation

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌɛvəˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

• The act of calling forth or summoning (especially a spirit or memory).
• The process of bringing something into existence or bringing it to one's mind.
• In a legal context, the act of bringing a case or issue before a court or authority.

Usage Examples

• The ritual was an evocation of ancient spirits.
• The artist’s work is an evocation of the human condition.
• Through his speech, he made an evocation of the struggle for civil rights.

Etymology

The word "evocation" originates from the Latin word "evocatio," which comes from "evocare" meaning "to call forth" (from "e-" meaning "out" and "vocare" meaning "to call"). The word has been used since the 16th century to describe the act of summoning or invoking something, typically a spirit or entity.

Synonyms

• Summoning
• Invocation
• Conjuring
• Calling forth
• Recalling

Antonyms

• Suppression
• Dismissal
• Rejection
• Repulsion
• Exclusion

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˌɛvəkˈeɪʃən/
• American English: /ˌɛvəkˈeɪʃən/
• Australian English: /ˌɛvəkˈeɪʃən/

Historical Usage

The term "evocation" has been used for centuries in religious and mystical contexts, often associated with the summoning of spirits, deities, or supernatural beings. It gained further prominence in literary and artistic works to evoke deep emotions, imagery, or memories. Its use also expanded into the legal and philosophical realms, referring to the act of bringing forth or summoning cases or ideas into focus.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, "evocation" is tied to spiritual and ritualistic practices. In the Western esoteric tradition, it is often associated with the calling forth of spirits or forces. In modern usage, the word may not always carry a supernatural connotation but instead refers to the act of bringing something into awareness or the act of remembering something distant or forgotten.

More Information

Evocation is frequently linked to artistic expression, where it serves as a tool to summon emotions, memories, or ideas in the audience. For example, music, literature, and visual arts often evoke strong sensory responses in people, transporting them to different times or places. While the term has strong mystical roots, its usage has expanded into various fields like law, psychology, and even digital media where ideas, cases, or experiences are evoked or brought to attention.