bucolic

/bjuːˈkɒlɪk/

Group 3Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life
GRE

Example in Context

The bucolic setting of the retreat, surrounded by rolling hills and grazing sheep, offered a stark contrast to the participants' urban lives.

Synonyms

ruralpastoralcountryside

Etymology

Originally referring to herdsmen, now evokes idyllic rural life.

  • bucolus (Latin) — herdsman

Memory Aid

🌾Sounds like “you-colic

Imagine YOUR COLIC baby calming down in a peaceful BUCOLIC meadow!

Visual Association

🏞️A serene countryside landscape with rolling hills and grazing sheep.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “bucolic” mean on the GRE?

bucolic (adjective) means “Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life”. The bucolic setting of the retreat, surrounded by rolling hills and grazing sheep, offered a stark contrast to the participants' urban lives.

How to remember “bucolic” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “bucolic” sounds like “you-colic”. Imagine YOUR COLIC baby calming down in a peaceful BUCOLIC meadow!

What are synonyms for “bucolic”?

Common synonyms: rural, pastoral, countryside.