Word of the Day : June 9, 2019

vocation \voh-KAY-shun\ noun

Definition

1 a : a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action; especially : a divine call to the religious life

b : an entry into the priesthood or a religious order

2 a : the work in which a person is employed : occupation

b : the persons engaged in a particular occupation

3 : the special function of an individual or group

Did You Know?

Vocation has been making its voice heard in English since the 15th century, when it referred to a summons from God to perform a particular task or function in life, especially a religious career. It should come as no surprise, then, that the word is a descendant of Latin vocatio, meaning "summons." Vocatio, in turn, comes from vocare, meaning "to call," which itself is from vox, meaning "voice." Vocation also has a secular position in the English language as a word for the strong desire to do a certain kind of work or the work itself, much like the words calling or occupation.

Aired June 9, 2019

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