Pastoral: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate for describing the idealized beauty of rural life, often used in art, literature, and music.

• The painting depicted a pastoral scene with grazing sheep and a flowing river

Describes areas that are not urban, typically focusing on agriculture and a lower population density.

• Growing up in a rural community, she learned a lot about farming and nature

Refers to rural areas in general, especially when highlighting their natural beauty compared to urban areas.

• We spent our weekend exploring the charming countryside and its quaint villages

Often describes something that is simple, old-fashioned, or rough in a charming way, usually related to rural life.

• The restaurant's rustic decor made it feel like a cozy farmhouse

Used to describe the peaceful and simple life of countryside shepherds; often associated with the beauty and simplicity of rural life.

• The artist's painting had a pastoral quality, depicting grazing sheep and rolling hills.
• She enjoyed the pastoral serenity of the village, far removed from the chaos of the city.

Describes an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque scene, often rural; suggests a perfect and idealized view of countryside life.

• Their honeymoon was an idyll by the lakeside, with perfect weather and stunning scenery.
• The short story created an idyll of village life that seemed almost too perfect to believe.

Refers specifically to agricultural work or farming; originates from a classical style of poetry praising farm life and labor.

• The ancient poem had a georgic theme, celebrating the virtues of hard work on the land.
• His georgic lifestyle involved daily routines of planting and harvesting crops.

Often used to describe an idealized version of rural life; emphasizes rustic charm and tranquility.

• They spent their vacation in a bucolic countryside cottage surrounded by nature.
• The novel paints a bucolic picture of farm life with fields, streams, and peaceful meadows.