Vocational: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：related to job training (vocational)

vocational 🔊

/vəʊˈkeɪʃənəl/

adj.

Related to learning the skills needed for a particular job, not just general knowledge.

Vocational training illustrated by a student learning hands-on car repair in a workshop

related to job training 🔊

➕

/rɪˈleɪtɪd tə dʒɒb ˈtreɪnɪŋ/

adj.

Describes education or training focused on practical skills for a specific occupation, rather than general academic knowledge.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'vocātiō' (a call), relating to a profession or trade.

💡 Mnemonic

Link 'vocation' to your job; 'vocational' is the training for that vocation.

📖 Example

After finishing high school, Maria chose to attend a vocational school to become a certified electrician. 🔊 After high school, Maria opted for a vocational school to train as an electrician.

🔗 Collocations

vocational training – training for a specific job or trade

vocational school – an institution that provides job-specific education

vocational education – education focused on practical skills for employment

🔄 Synonyms

occupational (adj.) – related to a job or profession

professional (adj.) – pertaining to a profession or its standards

trade-related (adj.) – associated with a specific trade or craft

🚫 Antonyms

academic (adj.) – related to theoretical study rather than practical skills

general (adj.) – not specific to any particular job or field

🌱 Derivatives

vocationally (adv.) – in a way related to vocational training

vocationalism (n.) – emphasis on vocational education

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'vocātiō', meaning a divine call to religious life. Over time, it broadened to signify any profession, leading to 'vocational' for practical job training.