Vocations: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ผ
Add to dictionary

vocations

 

[ voสŠหˆkeษชสƒษ™nz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

career choice

Vocations refer to the particular occupation or profession that a person feels called to pursue, often based on their interests, skills, and values. It is a strong inclination or desire towards a certain line of work.

Synonyms

calling, career, occupation, profession.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vocations

Generally used to describe a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, often one with a significant purpose or mission. Common in contexts related to religious or altruistic work.

  • She felt a vocation for nursing from a very young age.
  • His vocation led him to become a dedicated social worker.
calling

Indicates a deep, often spiritual or emotionally driven inclination towards a specific type of work or purpose in life. Highlights a sense of duty or destiny.

  • John always felt a calling to become a teacher.
  • After years in corporate law, she answered her calling to join a non-profit organization.
profession

Used for careers that typically require specialized education, training, and qualifications. Often associated with fields like medicine, law, or engineering. It implies a certain status and respect within society.

  • She is well respected in her profession as a doctor.
  • After years of study, he finally joined the legal profession.
career

Used to denote a person's professional journey over a significant period, usually in a specific field or industries, such as medicine, law, or business. It focuses on growth, advancement, and long-term goals.

  • He is planning to build a career in software engineering.
  • Her career in journalism spans over two decades.
occupation

Refers to any type of work or job that a person engages in to earn a living. It is a neutral term with no implication of passion or long-term commitment.

  • Her occupation as a librarian keeps her very busy.
  • He listed 'chef' as his occupation on the form.

Examples of usage

  • Many people find their true calling through their vocations.
  • She always knew that teaching was her vocation.
  • His vocation as a doctor allows him to help others in need.
Context #2 | Noun

religious calling

In a religious context, vocations are seen as a divine calling or summons to serve a higher power through a specific role within the church or religious community. It often involves a commitment to a life of service and devotion.

Synonyms

calling, ministry, religious service.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
calling

Implies a strong urge toward a particular way of life or career, often with a sense of destiny or purpose. This can be used in both religious and secular contexts.

  • He realized his calling was to help others through social work.
  • After much soul-searching, she found her calling in the arts.
ministry

Typically used to describe a person's service in a religious capacity, particularly within Christian contexts. It can also refer to government departments, but in religious contexts, it indicates roles like pastors, priests, or other religious leaders.

  • He has served in the ministry for over 20 years.
  • Her ministry focuses on helping the homeless in her community.
religious service

Refers to acts of worship or duties carried out within a religious context. This often includes ceremonies, rituals, and other formal activities in a faith community.

  • The family attends religious services every Sunday.
  • She led the religious service with grace and humility.

Examples of usage

  • She felt a deep sense of vocation to become a nun.
  • His vocation as a priest was a lifelong commitment to his faith.

Translations

Translations of the word "vocations" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น vocaรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเฅเคฏเคตเคธเคพเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Berufung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ panggilan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะบะปะธะบะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ powoล‚anie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅคฉ่ท

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vocation

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ vocaciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท meslek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œ๋ช…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุนูˆุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ povolรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ povolanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่Œไธš

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ poklic

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรถllun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐา›ั‹ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒแƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ peลŸษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ vocaciรณn

Etymology

The word 'vocations' originated from the Latin word 'vocatio', which means a calling or summons. Throughout history, vocations have been associated with both secular and religious pursuits, reflecting the idea of fulfilling a sense of purpose or duty. The concept of vocations has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of career choices and religious callings.

See also: avocation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,488, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.