What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hobbyist
Example
As a hobbyist photographer, I enjoy taking pictures of nature. [hobbyist: noun]
Example
She spends her weekends woodworking as a hobbyist. [hobbyist: adjective]
enthusiast
Example
He's a car enthusiast and spends his weekends working on his vintage car. [enthusiast: noun]
Example
She's an enthusiastic hiker and loves exploring new trails. [enthusiastic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hobbyist is more commonly used than enthusiast in everyday language. Hobbyist is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of interests and pursuits, while enthusiast is more specific and often used to describe people with niche interests.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hobbyist and enthusiast?
Both hobbyist and enthusiast are relatively informal terms, but enthusiast may be seen as slightly more formal due to its connotation of expertise and dedication.
