vocation
voh-KAY-shun
/voʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/
A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation; a person's employment or main occupation.
A vocation is more than just a job; it implies a 'calling' or a deep-seated sense of purpose.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'vocatio', meaning 'a summons'. Historically, it referred to a divine call to a religious life, but it has since broadened to any life-defining career.
Word relationships
- calling: Calling is a more informal, often spiritual term for the same concept.
- profession: Profession refers to a career requiring special training, but doesn't necessarily imply a deep personal 'calling'.
- hobby: A hobby is done for pleasure, not as a primary life's work.
Commonly confused with
- vacation: A vacation is a holiday (time away from work); a vocation is the work you are called to do.
Word family
- vocational (adjective): Relating to an occupation or employment.
Collocations
- true vocation
- follow a vocation
- sense of vocation
- vocational training
Example sentences
- "For some, nursing is not just a job but a true vocation." Career fulfillment
- "He felt a vocation to the priesthood from a very young age." Religious context
Memory hook
A 'vocation' is what you do when you hear your 'voice' telling you what your life's work should be. Vocation = Your inner voice's location in life.
When not to use
Avoid using 'vocation' for a temporary job or a gig you do only for money without any passion.
Fun facts
- Vocational schools focus on practical skills for specific trades rather than general academic theory.
Also appears in
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