pastoral
PAS-tor-ul
/ˈpæstərəl/
Relating to the giving of spiritual guidance or help; also, relating to the countryside or shepherds.
In a religious context, it emphasizes the 'caring' and 'guiding' aspect of a leader's role, like a shepherd tending sheep.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'pastor', meaning 'shepherd'. This reflects the biblical metaphor of the religious leader as a shepherd and the congregation as his flock.
Word relationships
- ministerial: Ministerial is more about the formal duties of the office; pastoral is more about the personal care of the people.
Commonly confused with
- pasture: A pasture is the field where sheep eat; pastoral is the adjective describing the care of those sheep (or people).
Word family
- pastor (noun): A minister in charge of a Christian church.
Collocations
- pastoral care
- pastoral duties
- pastoral letter
Example sentences
- "The priest spent most of his time providing pastoral care to the sick and elderly of the village." Spiritual care.
- "The painting depicted a pastoral scene of rolling hills and grazing sheep." Artistic description.
Memory hook
A PASTORAL role is like a PASTOR tending his sheep. Like a shepherd.
When not to use
Be careful not to confuse the religious meaning (care) with the artistic meaning (rural/country life).
Fun facts
- The 'crosier' (the hooked staff carried by bishops) is designed to look like a shepherd's crook, symbolizing their pastoral role.
Explore more words
contemplative, picturesque, leisurely, shepherd, nomad, aesthetic
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