rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: vocare
Latin

vocare

call, summon

Forms

  • voc-
  • vocat- — Latin stem of the form meaning ‘called.’

Origin

Latin vox, stem voc-, ‘voice,’ from reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *wekw-, ‘speak.’

Note

Calling can name someone, summon them, or invite them to a role.

12 / 22
At a simple civic hearing table, a petitioner makes a solemn, formal appeal for assistance to a seated official.
noun

invocation

in-vuh-KAY-shun/ˌɪnvəˈkeɪʃn/

A calling upon a power to act or provide support.

Etymology
inLatinin, into, on, upon
+vocLatincall, summon
+ationLatinan action, process, or result

An invocation is literally an act of “calling upon.” Early uses included calling upon a deity for aid or comfort—the same appeal underlying a formal request for help or inspiration.

Full entry

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