adj

pastoral

PAHS-tuh-ruhl

adj

Relating to shepherds, farming, or peaceful rural life.

"The painting shows a pastoral scene of sheep grazing in the hills."

"She wrote pastoral poetry celebrating country life."

Relating to a pastor's spiritual guidance of a congregation.

"The bishop offered pastoral care to families affected by the tragedy."

noun

A poem or piece of music depicting idealised rural life.

"Beethoven's "Pastoral" symphony evokes scenes of the countryside."

How to Use Pastoral

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "to do with peaceful country/farming life" or "to do with a pastor's spiritual care of people."

Common pairings

pastoral care pastoral scene pastoral poetry

more pastoral comparative, pastorals plural, most pastoral superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The painting shows a _____ scene of sheep grazing in the hills.

From Latin pastoralis, "of a shepherd," from pastor ("shepherd") — the same root as pastor.

oral coral moral amoral floral choral immoral mayoral femoral corporal temporal doctoral