bucolic
byoo-KOL-ik
/bjuːˈkɒlɪk/
Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.
Very similar to pastoral, but specifically evokes images of cattle, herdsmen, and the physical landscape of a farm.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Greek 'boukolos', which combines 'bous' (ox/cow) and 'kolos' (tending). It was popularized by the 'Bucolics,' a series of poems by the Roman poet Virgil about the lives of country folk.
Word relationships
- pastoral: Focuses more on shepherds; 'bucolic' focuses more on cowherds and the general farm atmosphere.
- rural: A much more common and less poetic word.
- urban: Relating to a city.
- metropolitan: Relating to a large city and its surrounding area.
Commonly confused with
- colic: 'Colic' is a medical condition in babies; 'bucolic' is a beautiful rural scene. Don't mix them up!
Word family
- bucolically (adverb): In a bucolic manner.
Collocations
- bucolic setting
- bucolic scene
- bucolic life
- bucolic charm
Example sentences
- "The bucolic landscape of the valley, with its grazing cows and slow-moving stream, was a sight to behold." Describing a landscape.
- "He often spoke of his bucolic upbringing on a dairy farm in Vermont." Describing a childhood.
Memory hook
Think of 'bulls' and 'collies' (dogs) on a farm. Cows and dogs on a farm.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a rural area that is desolate, harsh, or industrial.
Fun facts
- The term 'bucolic' is often used ironically by city dwellers to describe a place that is actually quite boring.
- Virgil's 'Bucolics' are also known as the 'Eclogues.'
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