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 enjoys hobby farming on the weekends. [hobby: gerund or present participle]
pastime
Example
Reading is my favorite pastime. [pastime: noun]
Example
Playing video games is a popular pastime among teenagers. [pastime: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hobby is more commonly used than pastime in everyday language. Hobby is a versatile term that covers a wide range of interests and activities, while pastime is less common and may have a more limited scope.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hobby and pastime?
Both hobby and pastime are neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, from casual to formal.
