What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hobby
Example
My hobby is painting landscapes. [hobby: noun]
Example
She spends her weekends pursuing her hobby of photography. [hobby: gerund or present participle]
interest
Example
I have an interest in astronomy and love stargazing. [interest: noun]
Example
He is interested in learning new languages and practices every day. [interested: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interest is more commonly used than hobby in everyday language. Interest is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while hobby is less common and refers to a specific leisure activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hobby and interest?
Both hobby and interest are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
