Meaning & use
pastoral
Last updated
Relating to the peaceful, simple life of the countryside, especially farming or shepherding.
See it in a sentence
The painting shows a pastoral scene of sheep grazing in a green valley.
She grew up in a quiet, pastoral town far from any city.
A note on using this word
Pastoral has a second, unrelated meaning in religious contexts, describing a member of the clergy's guidance of their congregation, as in "pastoral care."
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Relating to the spiritual guidance a member of the clergy gives to their congregation.
The priest offered pastoral care to families in the hospital.
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