What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idyll
Example
The small village was an idyll of tranquility and beauty. [idyll: noun]
Example
The poet wrote an idyll about the joys of country life. [idyll: adjective]
pastoral
Example
The painting depicted a pastoral scene of rolling hills and grazing sheep. [pastoral: adjective]
Example
The novel was a pastoral romance set in the English countryside. [pastoral: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pastoral is more commonly used than idyll in everyday language. Pastoral has a wider range of applications and can be used to describe various aspects of rural life, while idyll is less common and often used in a more literary context.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between idyll and pastoral?
Both idyll and pastoral are associated with a formal and literary tone, although pastoral can also be used in more informal contexts.
