What does invocatory mean?
“Invocatory” is a formal adjective meaning relating to invocation, particularly the act of calling upon a deity in prayer or worship. It is most often used in descriptions of religious texts, ceremonies, prayers, and ritual formulas. The term emphasizes the function of language as an appeal to a divine presence, rather than the emotional effect of inspiring memories or feelings. In modern English, it is uncommon and usually appears in literary, academic, or liturgical contexts, such as “invocatory prayer.” Although it is related to “invocative,” “invocatory” is typically used as an adjective, while “invocative” more often describes an utterance or formula intended to invoke a deity. The word comes from the same Latin foundation as “invoke” and “invocation,” and its specialized religious associations distinguish it from the broader English term “invocation.”
adjectiveOf or relating to invocation, especially the act of calling upon a deity in prayer or worship. The word is formal and relatively uncommon.
- Relating to or constituting an invocation, especially a prayer or formula calling upon a deity.
"The minister delivered an invocatory prayer before the service began."
"The ceremony concluded with an invocatory prayer in the old Latin tradition."
"The scholar discussed the invocatory words used to address the gods in ancient Greek ritual."
An invocatory prayer begins by summoning the presence of the divine, turning words into an appeal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invocatory come from?
The word derives from Latin invocare, meaning “to call upon” or “to summon,” especially in prayer. The English family includes “invoke,” “invocation,” “invoker,” and “invocative.” The form “invocatory” developed as an adjective expressing relation to invocation and is used particularly in religious and liturgical contexts.
Related word forms
How invocatory is actually used
This is a formal, literary, and relatively uncommon term. It is especially associated with religious language, liturgy, and discussions of prayer or ritual.
Easily confused with invocatory
“Invocatory” is normally an adjective describing something relating to invocation, whereas “invocative” describes a formula or utterance used to call upon a deity.
“Invocatory” concerns calling upon a deity or sacred presence, while “evocative” means capable of bringing a memory, feeling, or idea to mind.