call forth
C1/C2Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
to evoke, summon, or bring something into existence or attention.
To cause a particular quality, reaction, memory, or power to emerge; to elicit a response, often with effort or as a consequence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate or powerful act of drawing something out that is latent, hidden, or not immediately present. Often used with abstract nouns (emotions, memories, powers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more prevalent in formal and literary contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a formal, slightly archaic, or elevated tone. Connotes a significant or powerful effect.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; more common in written prose, academic texts, and formal speeches.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: person/thing] call forth [Object: abstract noun/response] (from [someone/something])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to call forth the ghosts of the past”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used in formal reports: 'The new policy called forth a wave of criticism from stakeholders.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, psychology: 'The imagery calls forth a sense of profound melancholy.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used for dramatic effect.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields outside of specific contexts like literature or philosophy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tragic news called forth an outpouring of public sympathy.
- The old photograph called forth long-forgotten memories of her childhood.
- The challenge called forth her reserves of courage and determination.
American English
- The president's speech called forth strong reactions from both parties.
- The emergency called forth a level of community cooperation we hadn't seen before.
- The artist's work calls forth the raw energy of the urban landscape.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sad music called forth memories of my grandmother.
- His brave actions called forth praise from everyone.
- The novel's powerful ending calls forth a deep sense of loss in the reader.
- The crisis called forth a unified response from the international community.
- The barrister's closing argument was designed to call forth the jury's sense of moral outrage.
- Such blatant injustice calls forth the need for profound systemic reform.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician calling forth a spirit from another realm. You are 'calling' something to come 'forth' from where it was hidden.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/RESPONSES ARE ENTITIES HIDDEN WITHIN A CONTAINER (which can be summoned to the surface).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "call for" (требовать).
- Do not translate literally as "звать вперёд".
- Closer to "вызывать" (эмоции, воспоминания), "пробуждать".
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *He called forth a meeting. (Correct: He called a meeting.)
- Incorrect: *The teacher called forth the student. (Correct: The teacher called on the student.)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'call forth' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a phrasal verb that is not usually separated. The object comes after 'forth' (e.g., 'call forth memories', not 'call memories forth').
Rarely and only in very formal, archaic, or metaphorical contexts (e.g., 'to call forth a witness' in a court drama). It is almost exclusively used with abstract concepts.
'Call forth' implies drawing out something that already exists in a latent or potential state, often with a sense of effort or power. 'Cause' is more neutral and direct, simply indicating a source-effect relationship.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal phrasal verb. Learners at B1/B2 level will understand it, but active use is more appropriate at C1/C2 levels in formal writing.