invocation
/ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən/ (ame, mw)
invocation — noun
- invocationsingular
- invocationsplural
1. naming a rule, principle, or earlier example as the reason why your action or ar
naming a rule, principle, or earlier example as the reason why your action or argument is correct.
The minister's invocation of national security stopped further questions in the hearing.
invocation of + abstract principle to justify an action
Shirin defended her thesis by invocation of three classic studies on memory loss.
by invocation of + supporting evidence
Many readers found the lawyer's invocation of free speech unconvincing on this point.
An invocation of company policy ended the argument between the two managers.
The board rejected Christopher's invocation of an old precedent as no longer relevant.
文法句型
invocation of [law/principle/idea]
用法筆記
Subject is usually an institution, official, or person speaking in a formal setting; rarely used in casual conversation. Distinguish from sense 2 (which is asking for help, not justifying yourself).
常見錯誤
2. a spoken or sung appeal made to a god, saint, or higher power, often opening a r
a spoken or sung appeal made to a god, saint, or higher power, often opening a religious service or public ceremony.
The ceremony began with a quiet invocation to the goddess of the harvest.
invocation to + named deity
Hyun offered a brief invocation before the family ate the New Year meal together.
offer + an invocation (collocation)
The rabbi's invocation for peace moved many guests at Sahil's wedding to tears.
An elder led the invocation while the villagers stood with their heads bowed.
The graduation opened with an invocation from the school chaplain.
- prayer
broader; any address to a god, not only as a ceremony opener
- supplication
very formal; emphasises humility and begging
- blessing
the spoken gift itself, often the answer to an invocation
- benediction
the closing prayer of a ceremony, as opposed to the opening invocation
文法句型
invocation to [god/saint]
invocation for [blessing/guidance]
用法筆記
Frequently the opening item in a ceremony's printed programme. Distinguish from sense 4: this sense asks a divine power for blessing or help; sense 4 uses ritual words to summon a spirit, often a dark one.
常見錯誤
3. a deliberate effort, often in writing or speech, that stirs up a specific emotio
a deliberate effort, often in writing or speech, that stirs up a specific emotion in the listener or brings back a vivid memory.
Lucía's poem is a tender invocation of her grandmother's kitchen on Sunday mornings.
invocation of + remembered place or scene
The novel's invocation of childhood summers had many readers calling their old friends.
literary use: invocation of + nostalgic period
Eitan praised the speech for its sharp invocation of national pride during the difficult winter.
The film's quiet invocation of grief made the audience sit in silence for a full minute.
文法句型
invocation of [emotion/memory/era]
用法筆記
Common in literary, film, and music criticism. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense reaches for feelings or memories, while sense 1 reaches for rules or principles to justify a position.
4. a fixed set of magical words spoken aloud to call up a spirit, demon, or superna
a fixed set of magical words spoken aloud to call up a spirit, demon, or supernatural being.
In the old story, the witch recited her invocation by candlelight to call the river spirit.
recite + an invocation (collocation); magical register
Nala's grandmother warned the children never to repeat the dark invocation written on the page.
The wizard in the film performs an invocation that opens a doorway between two worlds.
Mizuki wrote a horror novel in which a single mistaken word ruins the demon-summoning invocation.
- incantation
near synonym; arguably even more common in fantasy writing
- spell
broader; can include silent gestures, not only spoken words
- conjuration
emphasises the act of calling forth, more than the words themselves
- banishment
the ritual that sends a summoned spirit away
文法句型
recite/perform/use an invocation
用法筆記
Mostly found in folklore, fantasy fiction, and writing about historical magic or witchcraft. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense calls a spirit using ritual words, while sense 2 asks a god for blessing or help.