What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
métier
Example
Her métier was in the field of finance, where she had years of experience. [métier: noun]
Example
He had found his métier as a chef, creating delicious dishes that delighted his customers. [métier: noun]
occupation
Example
Her occupation was as a teacher, where she spent her days educating young minds. [occupation: noun]
Example
He worked in various occupations over the years, from construction to retail. [occupations: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Occupation is more commonly used than métier in everyday language. Occupation is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while métier is less common and more formal, typically used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between métier and occupation?
Métier is a more formal term than occupation, which is a common and versatile term used in both formal and informal contexts.