What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rector
Example
The rector of our church is retiring after 20 years of service. [rector: noun]
Example
The bishop appointed him as the new rector of the parish. [rector: noun]
vicar
Example
The vicar led the Sunday service in the absence of the rector. [vicar: noun]
Example
He was ordained as a vicar and assigned to a rural parish. [vicar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vicar is more commonly used in the Anglican Church, while rector is more commonly used in the Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations. In everyday language, rector is less common than vicar.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rector and vicar?
Rector is generally considered a more formal term than vicar, which is often used in informal contexts. However, the formality of the terms may vary depending on the denomination and context in which they are used.
