Skip to main content
pastorally

pastorally

1 7.3
In a caring way that gives religious support and advice
  • adverb
  • /ˈpæs.tɚ.əl.i/
translation icon : pastoralmente
  • I think he's been known as theologically conservative and socially very liberal and pastorally very, very effective.
  • pastorally sensitive

It's just acting on it, which I think has a lot of flaws with that particular perspective theologically, practically, pastorally.

Examples

  • The most spiritually, pastorally, and intellectually formed young man may find himself at sea when confronted with the demons of payroll accounting for a parish school, or when put in charge of a capital campaign to expand the physical plant of the church.

    Blog text (29)
  • Surrounded as I am by sensitive and often pastorally trained family and friends, I practically had to beg to hear this.

    Academic text (2007)
  • He's actually acting very pastorally.

    Blog text (29)
  • The pastorally sensitive approach of our church helps support community members in difficult times.

  • She provides guidance pastorally to those seeking comfort in their faith during hardships.

  • The counselor addressed the issues pastorally, ensuring that each individual's needs were met with compassion.

Synonyms

ministerially
vspastorally
  • Formal
8.4

In a way suitable for a religious leader like a priest or pastor

is more specifically about personal care and spiritual guidance tasks
clerically
vspastorally
7.7

In a religious way by priests or other religious leaders

is focused on personal care and informal guidance rather than formal roles

Surface Forms

pastorally positive

Morphology

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

The adverb is a straightforward -ly derivative of 'pastoral', and the sense directly aligns with the meaning 'relating to a pastor's duties'.

Etymology

Pastorally comes from the Latin pastor meaning 'shepherd', and a useful image is a shepherd caring for a flock. So speaking or acting pastorally means giving care and guidance like a shepherd, which is why it means 'in a way that relates to spiritual care'.