Invoke: Definition and Part of Speech
Invoke is primarily used as a verb and carries the meaning of calling upon, citing, or appealing to something for authority, support, or justification. It can refer to summoning a higher power, quoting an argument or precedent in conversation or writing, or bringing forth ideas or emotions.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cite | To refer to as evidence or authority | “The lawyer cited previous case laws to bolster his argument.” | Formal, Academic |
| Reference | Mentioning something for information or support | “In the report, he referenced numerous studies on climate change.” | Formal, Business |
| Summon | To call upon someone or something with authority | “She summoned her courage and confronted her fears.” | Informal to formal |
| Call upon | Requesting assistance or guidance | “The committee called upon experts in the field for advice.” | Formal, Business |
| Appeal to | Seeking support or approval | “They appealed to the audience’s sense of justice.” | Formal, Academic |
Usage Notes
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Cite: This synonym is particularly useful when you are drawing on authoritative sources, often found in academic writing. For instance, “The author cites various experts to lend credibility to his claims.”
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Reference: Typically used in business and formal reports where indirect or implied support from an external source is mentioned. It’s more general than “cite” because it doesn’t necessarily imply a direct quotation or authoritative backing.
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Summon: Often implies summoning inner resources, emotions, or strength, making it suitable for personal narratives or motivational contexts. For example, in creative writing, one might write, “He summoned the memories of his childhood to find solace.”
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Call upon: This can be used interchangeably with “invoke” when there is an element of requesting or expecting assistance or input from others. It’s common in both business and formal settings.
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Appeal to: Suitable for contexts where you are trying to win support or approval, often emotionally or rhetorically. For instance, “The speaker appealed to the values shared by everyone present.”
Common Pitfalls
When choosing a synonym for “invoke,” it’s important to consider context:
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Citing vs. Referencing: Don’t confuse citing with referencing; while both involve sources, citing typically involves quoting directly or using direct authority in support of an argument.
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Summon vs. Invoke: While closely related, summon often carries a stronger sense of calling forth something more personal or internal, whereas invoke can be used more broadly and formally.
Final Recap
The verb “invoke” serves as a versatile term across various registers, from formal documents to creative narratives. Its primary synonyms—cite, reference, summon, call upon, appeal to—each carry slight nuances that make them suitable for specific contexts and tones.
To expand your vocabulary and improve precision in communication:
- Practice using these synonyms in different sentences.
- Identify the subtle differences in their applications across various styles of writing and speech.
By experimenting with these alternatives, you can deepen your understanding of when to use each synonym effectively.