ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pastoral

adj. · n.
US //ˈpæstɝəɫ// UK //pˈɑːstəɹəl// pas·toral
  1. 1 rural and peaceful (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    describing a beautiful, peaceful country scene, often with farm animals like sheep.

    relating to the countryside or to the lives of people who live there, especially in an idealized or romanticized way.

    Example

    The painting showed a pastoral scene of sheep grazing on a green hill.

    Example

    The poet spent his later years in a pastoral retreat, finding inspiration in the rhythmic simplicity of the agricultural seasons.
  2. 2 spiritual or emotional care (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    relating to the work of a priest or teacher in looking after the personal needs of their people.

    concerning the spiritual or emotional care and guidance provided by a religious leader or an educator to their community.

    Example

    The school provides excellent pastoral care to help students with their personal problems.

    Example

    The bishop's pastoral visit focused on providing emotional support to the families affected by the recent floods.
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  1. 3 a rural poem or song (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Technical Music

    a piece of writing, music, or art that shows a simple and peaceful country life.

    a literary or musical work portraying or evoking the life of shepherds or the quietude of the country.

    Example

    The composer wrote a beautiful pastoral for the flute and piano.

    Example

    The collection includes several pastorals that contrast the innocence of the shepherd's life with the corruption of the royal court.
    • idyll
    • eclogue
  2. 4 an official church letter (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Religion

    an official letter from a bishop or church leader to the people in their area.

    an official letter or message addressed by a bishop to the clergy or laity of a diocese.

    Example

    The priest read the bishop's pastoral to the congregation during the Sunday service.

    Example

    The latest pastoral from the House of Bishops addresses the ethical implications of new medical technologies.
Origin

From Middle French, Old French pastoral, from Latin pāstōrālis, from pāstor (“shepherd”), + adjective suffix -ālis.

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