What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
avocational
Example
She enjoys painting as an avocational activity in her free time. [avocational: adjective]
Example
He has many avocational interests, such as photography and playing the guitar. [avocational: plural noun]
hobbyist
Example
She is an avid gardening hobbyist and spends hours tending to her plants. [hobbyist: noun]
Example
He considers himself a woodworking hobbyist and enjoys crafting furniture in his spare time. [hobbyist: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hobbyist is more commonly used than avocational in everyday language. Hobbyist is a widely recognized term that is often used to describe individuals who have a strong interest or passion for a particular hobby. On the other hand, avocational is less common and may be more commonly used in professional or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between avocational and hobbyist?
While avocational has a more formal and professional connotation, hobbyist is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Hobbyist is a term that is widely understood and accepted across different levels of formality.