# call forth

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/call-forth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to cause a particular reaction, feeling, or memory to happen.

For teachers: to elicit or evoke a specific response, quality, or manifestation; often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the provocation of an abstract result.

## Examples

- The old song calls forth memories of my childhood.
- The leader's speech was designed to call forth a sense of national pride among the citizens.
- The harsh economic conditions called forth a spirit of resilience and innovation that transformed the local industry.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The news called forth to many questions." but "The news called forth many questions." — this phrasal verb is transitive and takes a direct object without an extra preposition like 'to'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by an abstract noun like 'memories', 'emotions', or 'responses'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'evoke' (more common in academic writing) or 'bring out' (more informal); 'call forth' suggests a more powerful or deliberate summoning of a quality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.