Agency Dictionary

vocation

nounPronunciation: /voʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/

In Portuguese: vocação

What does “vocation” mean?

A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.

Etymology

From Middle English vocacioun, from Old French vocation, from Latin vocātiō ('a call, a summons'), from vocāre ('to call'), related to vox ('voice'). The word originally named a divine calling to religious life; in secular use it extended to any deep sense of purpose toward a career or craft.

Usage note

Vocation implies more than mere employment: it carries the sense of a deep calling that gives work its meaning, as distinct from a job or even a profession.

Synonyms

calling
mission

Word family

vocational
vocationally

Rhymes with

occupation
foundation
formation
sensation

Usage examples

Your vocation won't start with a youtube tutorial or inside Photoshop.
Design.0 - Beyond the Surface of Forms

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

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