What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pastor
Example
The pastor delivered a moving sermon on forgiveness. [pastor: noun]
Example
She has been pastoring the church for over a decade. [pastoring: verb]
vicar
Example
The vicar led the congregation in prayer during the Sunday service. [vicar: noun]
Example
He was appointed as the vicar of the parish after the previous vicar retired. [vicar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pastor is more commonly used than vicar in American English, while vicar is more commonly used in British English. Both words are formal and are typically used in religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pastor and vicar?
Both pastor and vicar are formal words that are typically used in religious contexts. However, vicar may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with the Anglican Church and its use in British English.
