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pastorally

pastorally

6.4
In a way that shows the quiet life of the countryside
  • adverb
  • /ˈpæs.tɚ.əl.i/
translation icon : pastoralmente
  • She painted a pastorally themed mural.

Examples

  • The author writes pastorally about life on the farm, focusing on its quiet rhythms.

  • The landscape was pastorally beautiful.

  • The fields were described pastorally in the travel journal, evoking a sense of peace.

  • She painted the village pastorally, highlighting its simple and natural beauty.

  • The fields were pastorally beautiful, filled with rolling hills and grazing sheep.

  • They spent their summer vacation pastorally exploring the quaint villages of the countryside.

  • The painting depicted a pastorally serene landscape, capturing the essence of rural life.

Synonyms

rurally
vspastorally
1 4.1

In the countryside away from towns and cities

focuses on idyllic rural life and scenic countryside images rather than location
rustically
vspastorally
1 5.8

In a simple country way that looks rough and natural

emphasizes countryside or scenic life rather than rough country style

Surface Forms

pastorally positive

Morphology

pastorally = pastoral (semi-transparent) = pastor + al + ly

The adverb is regularly formed from 'pastoral' + -ly, but 'pastoral' itself commonly refers to countryside while its link to 'pastor' (religious minister) can cause confusion for learners.

Etymology

Pastorally comes from the Latin pastor meaning 'shepherd', the same idea you see in pasture, a word meaning 'a field for sheep'. So to describe something pastorally is to show it like quiet country life and fields, which is why it means 'in a way that relates to the countryside'.