vocation - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
vocation Word Meanings
- a person's employment or profession
- a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation
- a divine call to religious life
vocation Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
vocation Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/vəʊˈkeɪʃən/
US
/voʊˈkeɪʃən/
vocation Word Etymology
vocation = vocare (to call) + -tion (action or condition); From Latin → Old French → English. Visualize someone receiving a call to their life's purpose, feeling an urge to follow their true path.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Vocation is a word you hear in career guidance and personal development, carrying two strands of meaning at once. It can refer to a person’s employment or profession, but it also implies a deeper sense that a given path fits their abilities, interests, and values—almost like a calling. In everyday speech, people talk about discovering their vocation when a job feels natural and fulfilling, not merely any paid work. In religious contexts, vocation can mean a divine invitation to religious life or service, but that sense is less common in casual conversation. Learners benefit from keeping apart vocation (fit and purpose) from job (the task) and calling (a more general sense of direction).
Usage Reminders
- Think of vocation as a sense of fit, not just a job.
- Differentiate vocation from job, career, and calling.
- In secular use, viewing vocation as a lifelong, unchanging path is common but not universal.
- Use 'vocation to' + verb for active direction (vocation to teach).
- Religious contexts may use 'calling' more often than everyday language.
Common Misconceptions
- Vocation = a religious calling alone.
- Vocation = any job or title.
- Vocation = guaranteed lifelong path.
- Vocation = the same as career planning.
- You must feel a supernatural calling to have a vocation.
Thinking Differences
English often treats vocation as both a sense of fit and a path, but it separates calling (often deeper or religious) from ordinary work; learners tend to blur these.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three senses: occupation, fit, and calling.
- Keep straight vocation vs calling vs career.
- Use 'vocation to' with a verb (vocation to teach).
- Pair with context: secular (work) vs religious (calling).
- Practice with both positive and religious contexts.
- Compare with synonyms: mission, calling, destiny.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'vocation'?
A.Career
B.Hobby
C.Travel
D.Exercise
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'vocation' used correctly?
A.He found his vocation in painting landscapes.
B.She enjoys her vocation of traveling around the world.
C.I have a vocation for baking cakes.
D.His vocation is to play video games.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'vocation'?
A.Profession
B.Vacation
C.Pastime
D.Hobby
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'vocation'?
A.Indolence
B.Leisure
C.Passion
D.Avocation
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'vocation'?
A.School assignments
B.Sports events
C.Shopping for clothes
D.Career guidance counseling
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