What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
metier
Example
After years of working in the restaurant industry, cooking became his metier. [metier: noun]
Example
She found her metier in graphic design and has been successful in the field ever since. [metier: noun]
vocation
Example
He felt a vocation to become a teacher and has been dedicated to the profession ever since. [vocation: noun]
Example
She pursued her vocation as a nurse because she wanted to help others and make a difference in their lives. [vocation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vocation is more commonly used than metier in everyday language, especially in American English. Vocation is also more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while metier is less common and more specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between metier and vocation?
Both metier and vocation are formal words, but metier may be perceived as more formal due to its French origin and specialized usage.
