conjuration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, archaic, formal, occult/specialist
Quick answer
What does “conjuration” mean?
A ritualistic act of summoning a spirit, demon, or other supernatural being, often through magical incantations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ritualistic act of summoning a spirit, demon, or other supernatural being, often through magical incantations.
The practice of magic or invocation; a solemn entreaty or appeal; the performance of tricks intended to give the illusion of supernatural power (i.e., conjuring).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. The archaic sense of 'solemn entreaty' is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, primarily evokes fantasy, horror, or historical contexts. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British English in historical/legal archaic contexts (e.g., 'by all the conjurations of friendship').
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both varieties. Used primarily in specialized genres (fantasy literature, occult texts, historical fiction).
Grammar
How to Use “conjuration” in a Sentence
the conjuration of [entity/spirit]by conjurationthrough conjurationa conjuration to [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conjuration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magician will conjure a rabbit from his hat.
- The tale conjures a vivid image of Victorian London.
American English
- The sorcerer conjured a demon from the netherworld.
- Her speech conjured feelings of hope and unity.
adverb
British English
- He spoke conjuratively, chanting the old words. (Extremely rare/formed ad-hoc)
American English
- (No standard adverb form. 'Invocatively' might be used in similar contexts.)
adjective
British English
- The conjurational rites were detailed in the ancient grimoire.
- (Note: Very rare. 'Conjuring' is the typical adjective.)
American English
- The book contained conjurational diagrams and sigils.
- (Note: Very rare. 'Conjuring' or 'invocatory' are more common.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or religious studies discussing magical practices, Renaissance esotericism, or archaic language.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in discussing fantasy books/games.
Technical
Used in occultism, witchcraft studies, and fantasy role-playing games as a specific term for summoning magic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conjuration”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conjuration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conjuration”
- Using it to mean a simple magic trick in casual conversation (use 'trick' or 'illusion').
- Pronouncing it as /kənˈdʒʊəreɪʃən/ (stress is on the third syllable, not the second).
- Confusing it with 'conjugation' (grammar of verbs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Conjuring' is the general art of performing magic tricks or illusions. 'Conjuration' is more specific, referring to the ritual act of summoning a supernatural entity, though it can be used poetically for 'conjuring'.
Yes, but it's archaic. It can mean a solemn and earnest appeal or entreaty, e.g., 'by all the conjurations of friendship, I begged him to stay.' This usage is now found almost exclusively in historical or literary texts.
In British English: /ˌkɒndʒʊˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ (kon-juu-RAY-shun). In American English: /ˌkɑːndʒəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ (kahn-juh-RAY-shun). The primary stress is on the third syllable ('ray').
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized word. For everyday magic tricks, use 'conjuring,' 'magic,' or 'illusion.' Use 'conjuration' only if you are writing or speaking specifically about the summoning of spirits, typically in a fantasy, horror, or historical occult context.
A ritualistic act of summoning a spirit, demon, or other supernatural being, often through magical incantations.
Conjuration is usually literary, archaic, formal, occult/specialist in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “by all the conjurations of (archaic: by all the pleas of)”
- “lost to the mists of conjuration (poetic, very rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CONJUROR at a national convention. His main ACT is the CONJURATION of a spirit.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUMMONING IS DRAWING FORTH (from another realm). LANGUAGE IS A TOOL FOR CONTROL (incantations command beings).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'conjuration' be LEAST appropriate?