pastoral
pastoral Lexical Profile
pastoral Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Portraying or evoking country life, typically in a charming, idealized, and peaceful manner.
"The artist was famous for his pastoral landscapes featuring rolling green hills and quiet streams."
Relating to the duties of a Christian minister, priest, or educator in giving spiritual or personal guidance and care to a congregation or student body.
"The university expanded its pastoral support services to help students cope with academic stress."
Relating to the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle.
"Many nomadic tribes in the region still rely on pastoral farming for their livelihood."
• noun
A work of literature, art, or music that portrays shepherds and rustic life in an idealized, peaceful manner.
"During the Renaissance, poets frequently composed pastorals celebrating the simplicity of rural existence."
An official letter from a bishop or spiritual leader addressed to the clergy or laity of a diocese.
"The bishop issued an annual pastoral addressing the social challenges facing the local parish."
• Rhymes for pastoral
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English, via Old French from Latin pastoralis ('relating to a shepherd'), derived from pastor ('shepherd'), which comes from pascere ('to feed or graze'). The religious sense developed from the Christian metaphor of a spiritual leader tending to a congregation like a shepherd tending to a flock.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.