bucolic
UK: bjuːˈkɒlɪk | US: bjuːˈkɑːlɪk
adj. relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside or rural life; pastoral
n. a pastoral poem or literary work depicting rural life
bucolic = buco<cow, herd> + lic<pertaining to>
- buco (from Greek boukolos <herdsman, cowherd>)
- lic (adjective-forming suffix, from Greek -ikos <pertaining to>)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Greek boukolikos (pertaining to a herdsman), the word evolved through Latin bucolicus to describe pastoral poetry (e.g., Virgil’s Eclogues). The root buco- reflects agrarian life, while -lic generalizes the association. Over time, it broadened to idyllic rural themes beyond literal herding.
The painter captured a bucolic scene of sheep grazing under rolling hills.
His poetry often celebrates the bucolic simplicity of village life.
We escaped the city for a weekend in a charming, bucolic cottage.
The novel’s bucolic setting contrasts sharply with its dark themes.
She wore a dress printed with bucolic motifs of vines and meadows.