The word "conjure up" is pronounced /ˈkʌndʒər ʌp/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "con" is pronounced with a short "u" sound /ʌ/ followed by a "j" sound /dʒ/. The second syllable "jure" is pronounced with a long "u" sound /ju:/ and an "r" sound /r/. The final syllable "up" is pronounced with a short "u" sound /ʌ/ and a "p" sound /p/. When said together, the phrase means to bring forth, as if by magic or supernatural power.
The phrasal verb "conjure up" refers to the act of causing something to appear in one's mind or imagination, usually vividly or lifelike. It is akin to conjuring or summoning an image, memory, emotion, or sensation. When one conjures up something, they create a mental representation of it, often drawing upon their creativity or memory.
Primarily used figuratively, the term suggests the power of imagination to materialize or recreate an experience, instance, or concept. It implies the ability to evoke, produce, or resurrect something seemingly intangible or non-existent. For example, a writer may conjure up an image of a serene countryside to inspire their storytelling, or a scent might conjure up nostalgic memories of a childhood home.
The phrase also encompasses the idea of summoning or calling into presence through an act of imagination or suggestion. It may be used interchangeably with "invoke" or "bring forth" in certain contexts. Additionally, "conjure up" can imply a certain mysterious or magical quality, as seen in magical illusions or spells.
In essence, to conjure up is to mentally summon or create something, often with a sense of evoking vivid imagery or reminiscing earlier experiences, in order to stimulate one's imagination or memory.
The word "conjure up" originated from the Middle English term "conjure", which in turn was derived from Old French "conjurer". Both "conjure" and "conjurer" were borrowed from Latin "conjurare", meaning "to swear together". The prefix "con-" in Latin can denote "together", and "jurare" means "to swear" or "to declare solemnly". In the 14th century, the verb "conjure" began to be used in English with the meaning of summoning or commanding something through the power of magic or supernatural means. Over time, the phrase "conjure up" evolved to refer to the act of calling forth something from the imagination or memory.