What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
evoked
Example
The smell of freshly baked cookies evoked memories of my grandmother's kitchen. [evoked: past tense]
Example
The movie's emotional ending evoked tears from the audience. [evoked: past participle]
elicit
Example
The detective tried to elicit a confession from the suspect. [elicit: verb]
Example
The comedian's jokes elicited laughter from the audience. [elicited: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elicit is more commonly used than evoked in everyday language. Elicit is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while evoked is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between evoked and elicit?
Elicit is generally considered more formal than evoked. While both words can be used in formal or informal contexts, elicit is more commonly used in academic or professional settings.