What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
evoke
Example
The smell of freshly baked cookies evokes memories of my childhood. [evokes: verb]
Example
The painting evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. [evokes: verb]
trigger
Example
The sound of fireworks triggered his PTSD. [triggered: past tense]
Example
The alarm clock triggers the start of my morning routine. [triggers: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trigger is more commonly used than evoke in everyday language, especially in psychological or scientific contexts. Evoke is more commonly used in creative or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between evoke and trigger?
Both evoke and trigger can be used in formal and informal contexts, but trigger is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
