Idyll: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to a peaceful, picturesque scene or experience, often rural and simple in nature.

• They spent a few weeks in a rural idyll, surrounded by nature.
• The novel paints an idyll of small-town life.

Denotes an exceptionally beautiful, peaceful, and blissful place or state, often related to the afterlife or an unattainable ideal.

• The tropical island felt like paradise with its crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches.
• They've created their own little paradise in the garden.

Refers to an ideal society or place where everything is perfect, often used in political or social contexts. It can have a negative connotation if implying impracticality.

• The book describes a utopia where everyone lives in harmony.
• Although a utopia sounds wonderful, in reality, it’s difficult to achieve.

Describes a fantasy or imaginary place that is idealized and perfect, often used for escapism.

• She drifted into dreamland where everything was perfect and trouble-free.
• He lives in a dreamland, believing that everything will always work out.

This word is used to describe a scene or a moment of perfect, peaceful beauty, often in a rural setting. An idyll can also refer to a short poem or prose work describing such scenes.

• Their honeymoon was an idyll of calm and happiness.
• The picture depicted an idyllic countryside.

This word relates to the life of shepherds or concerned with the countryside in a somewhat idealized way. It can refer to art, literature, or music that depicts rural life in an idealized manner.

• The pastoral landscapes in the painting were breathtaking.
• The novel had a pastoral theme, focusing on the simple life of farmers.

This term is often used to describe the pleasant aspects of the countryside and rural life, typically evoking an idealized version of rural tranquility.

• They bought a house in a bucolic village.
• The movie's bucolic setting made it feel very peaceful.

This term is used to describe something characteristic of the countryside or rural life, often implying simplicity and charm. It can sometimes suggest something old-fashioned or coarse.

• They decorated their home in a rustic style.
• The lodge had a rustic feel, with wooden beams and stone walls.