invocatory
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or serving as an invocation: "invocatory" describes something that is used for calling upon or appealing to a higher power, deity, or authority, often in a formal or ritualistic manner.
Usage Examples
- (A prayer used to call upon divine assistance.)
- (Lines that serve to invoke or appeal to the muses.)
- (Chants designed to call upon spiritual beings.)
Advanced Usage
"invocatory formula": a set phrase or structure used in invocations.
- Ancient texts often contain a fixed invocatory formula to begin prayers. (A standardised phrase for calling upon gods.)
"invocatory gesture": a physical movement, such as raising hands, used as part of an invocation.
- The shaman made an invocatory gesture toward the sky. (A hand movement to appeal to celestial powers.)
Variants and Related Words
Invocation (noun): the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or authority.
- The ceremony began with an invocation to the gods. (A formal call for help or blessing.)
Invoke (verb): to call upon (a deity, spirit, or law) for aid or as a witness.
- She invoked the name of the ancient hero for courage. (Called upon a figure for support.)
Invocator (noun): one who makes an invocation.
- The invocator led the congregation in prayer. (The person who performs the invocation.)
Synonyms
- Supplicatory: expressing a humble plea or request, often to a deity.
- Petitionary: relating to a formal request or appeal, especially to an authority.
- Appellatory: serving to call upon or address someone or something.
Related Idioms
- No direct idioms exist for "invocatory" due to its technical and formal nature. However, the concept appears in phrases like "calling upon the gods" or "appealing to higher powers."
Phrasal Verbs
- No phrasal verbs are directly associated with "invocatory," as it is an adjective. The related verb "invoke" may be used in phrasal forms like "invoke upon" (to call down upon someone), but this is rare and formal.