What does vocation mean?

Pronunciation

/vōˈkāSHən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person’s occupation, job, or career, especially one that is considered to be their calling or purpose in life.

Examples

• Finding a vocation that aligns with your passion can lead to a fulfilling life.
• She discovered her vocation in life was to help others through social work.

Synonyms

• Occupation
• Career
• Profession

Antonyms

• Hobby
• Leisure

Additional Information

Discovering one’s vocation can be a journey of self-discovery, involving exploration of personal values, skills, and interests. A person’s vocation can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to their life. Many people find their vocation through education, training, and experience in a particular field.

In some cases, a person’s vocation may not be their primary source of income, but rather a passion or calling that they pursue outside of their regular job. For example, a person may have a vocation as a writer, but work as an accountant to support themselves financially.

Etymology

The word “vocation” comes from the Latin “vocare,” meaning “to call.”

Usage Notes

When using the word “vocation,” it’s essential to consider the context in which it is being used. For instance, in a religious sense, vocation may refer to a calling to a life of service or devotion. In a secular context, it may refer to a person’s career or occupation.

Cultural References

The concept of vocation has been explored in various works of literature, such as “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, which tells the story of a young man’s journey to discover his personal legend and vocation.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Follow your calling
• Pursue your passion

Related Words or Phrases

• Career path
• Professional development
• Personal growth

Collocations

• Find a vocation
• Pursue a vocation
• Discover a vocation

Frequency of Use

The word “vocation” is commonly used in modern language, especially in the context of career development and personal growth.

Common Misspellings

• Vocationn
• Vocatione
• Voccation