evocative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'evocative' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something as having the power to evoke strong emotions. For example: The music in the movie was so evocative that it stirred up strong feelings of nostalgia.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It will be evocative of an era that doesn't exist any more".

The Guardian - Music

Often described as "para-documentaries", his films present revealing multiple perspectives conjured from archival finds and specially created evocative footage.

The Guardian - Arts

As Billy's dancing improves so his awkwardness diminishes, but his dancing remains untamed, seemingly untutored and breathlessly evocative.

The Guardian - Film

Still, the articles do contain that most evocative of showbiz reporting constructs.

The Guardian

The melting pot that simmered in the hot California sun... Nothing like him, before or since, his prose is so evocative I can feel myself sweating when I read his work, even in a brutal Canadian winter.

The Guardian - Books

As if to emphasise the sense of how joyous the nation is to end the wait for quaification, there was an evocative photo montage in one of the papers which showed a bunch of kids playing football.

The Guardian - Sport

It's more evocative of the American midwest - a delicate mixture of open vowels and reluctant consonants, nearer Tom Hanks than Tom Cobley.

The Guardian

The richly evocative scenes painted by the Assassin's Creed artists, begin to seem pale and lifeless when you realise you're just hunting for objects amid crowds of people you can never interact with.

The Guardian - Tech

Everybody Down might grate with some hip-hop fans, but lyrically it can be dazzling, an evocative London record that interweaves a cast of characters through its multiple plotlines (drug deals, prostitution, wage inequality and good old-fashioned scenester-baiting are all on the menu).

The Guardian - Music

The Myall Creek apology stands as an evocative metaphor for that unfulfilled national need.

The Guardian

It's a masterpiece of short-form tension – a confluence of sound and image so viscerally evocative it feels almost domineering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the adjective "evocative" when you want to describe something that powerfully recalls memories, feelings, or images, creating a strong sense of a particular atmosphere or past experience.

Common error

Avoid using "evocative" as a generic synonym for "descriptive" or "interesting". Ensure the subject truly stirs deep emotions or memories rather than merely providing surface-level details.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "evocative" primarily functions to qualify a noun, describing its ability to bring forth strong emotions, memories, or images. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage across various contexts, affirming its role in enriching descriptions with emotional depth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Arts

25%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "evocative" is a powerful tool for writers aiming to stir emotions and create lasting impressions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used. The best practice is to employ "evocative" when aiming to recall memories, feelings, or images vividly. However, avoid using it as a mere substitute for "descriptive". Instead, ensure the subject truly elicits profound emotional or sensory responses. Examples from Ludwig show its frequent use in news, arts, and literature, highlighting its versatility across diverse registers, from neutral to formal. For alternatives, consider words like "reminiscent", "suggestive", and "resonant", each offering a nuanced way to bring something to mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reminiscent

Focuses specifically on recalling past experiences or things.

suggestive

Implies hinting at something without directly stating it.

redolent

Highlights a strong, pleasant odor or association.

expressive

Emphasizes conveying emotions or thoughts effectively.

resonant

Indicates deep and lasting significance or emotional impact.

vivid

Describes something that is strikingly clear and detailed in the mind.

moving

Focuses on causing strong feelings of sadness or sympathy.

poignant

Highlights the capacity to evoke a keen sense of sadness or regret.

touching

Emphasizes the ability to evoke tenderness or compassion.

memorable

Stresses the quality of being easily remembered due to its significance or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "evocative" in a sentence?

Use "evocative" to describe something that powerfully brings forth memories, feelings, or images. For example, "The old photographs were "evocative" of a bygone era".

What words are similar to "evocative"?

Similar words include "reminiscent", "suggestive", and "resonant", each carrying a slightly different nuance of bringing something to mind.

Is it correct to say something is "very evocative"?

Yes, it is correct to use "very" to intensify the adjective "evocative". It emphasizes the strength of the memories or feelings being evoked.

What's the difference between "evocative" and "descriptive"?

"Descriptive" simply means providing details. "Evocative", on the other hand, means creating a vivid and emotional response or memory in the observer. Something can be descriptive without being "evocative".