The word "evocatory," meaning "bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind," is spelled with the root "evoke" followed by "tory." "Evoke" is pronounced /ɪˈvoʊk/ (ih-VOHK) and comes from the Latin "evocare," meaning "to call forth." The suffix "-tory" is pronounced /təri/ (tuh-ree) and is used to form adjectives indicating a function or action, such as "indicatory" or "regulatory." Together, the word is pronounced /ɪˈvɑːkətəri/ (ih-VAHK-uh-tuh-ree).
Evocatory is an adjective that describes something that brings forth emotions, memories, or images in a vivid and powerful manner. It pertains to the act of evoking or calling forth strong feelings or associations. When something is evocatory, it has the ability to stimulate or elicit a response from our senses, thoughts, or emotions.
In literature, an evocatory piece of writing captivates the reader by painting a descriptive picture that transports them to a different time or place. It uses vivid language and imagery to create a strong sense of atmosphere or evoke specific emotions. Similarly, in art, an evocatory painting or sculpture can prompt deep emotional reactions or memories in the viewer.
The term can also be applied to music and film, where certain melodies, sounds, or visuals have the power to trigger strong emotional responses, create a sense of nostalgia, or transport the audience to a different state of mind. In these contexts, an evocatory piece is one that successfully taps into or awakens the emotions and memories of its audience.
Overall, evocatory refers to something that has a remarkable ability to conjure up specific sensations, thoughts, or emotions from within ourselves. It is a term that acknowledges the power of artistic expression to elicit profound and personal responses, reminding us of the human capacity to be deeply affected by various forms of creative stimuli.
The word evocatory derives from the verb evoke, which comes from the Latin word evocare. Evocare is a combination of the prefix ex- (meaning out or from) and the verb vocare (meaning to call). Therefore, evocare means to call out or to summon. By adding the suffix -ory, which signifies pertaining to or characterized by, the word evocatory is formed. Consequently, evocatory means pertaining to evoking or characterized by summoning or calling forth.