evoke a sense of nostalgia
/ɪˈvoʊk ə sɛns ʌv nɒˈstældʒə/
Meaning
To cause someone to feel a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past. It is often used when discussing art, music, films, or literature that reminds people of their childhood or a bygone era.
Examples
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The acoustic soundtrack of the film is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the late nineties.
The acoustic soundtrack of the film is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the late nineties.
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Walking through the old neighborhood always manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Walking through the old neighborhood always manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
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Her paintings of vintage storefronts evoke a sense of nostalgia in anyone who grew up in a small town.
Her paintings of vintage storefronts evoke a sense of nostalgia in anyone who grew up in a small town.
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The director used warm, golden lighting to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
The director used warm, golden lighting to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
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Hearing that dial-up internet sound again really evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Hearing that dial-up internet sound again really evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The movie evokes a nostalgia in me.
✓ The movie evokes a sense of nostalgia in me.
Nostalgia is an uncountable abstract noun. We usually say it evokes 'a sense of nostalgia' or 'feelings of nostalgia' rather than using it directly with an article.
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✗ This old photo evokes me a sense of nostalgia.
✓ This old photo evokes a sense of nostalgia in me.
The verb 'evoke' does not take an indirect object. You must evoke something 'in' or 'for' someone.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The vintage filter on these photos is meant to ___.
💡 To trigger warm, sentimental memories of the past.
Show answer
evoke a sense of nostalgia
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Classic vinyl records always ___ in older music fans.
💡 To bring back a wistful feeling for bygone times.
Show answer
evoke a sense of nostalgia