avocation

USAGE SUMMARY

'avocation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to an activity that someone does in their spare time for enjoyment, usually different from their job or main interest. Example sentence: We enjoyed discussing our shared avocations, such as playing the guitar and drawing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certainly, that politics can be a dangerous avocation in Asia, for women as for men.

The Economist

Between the time of his leaving school and his nineteenth year, he was constantly employed in the hardy avocation of a Western woodman, cutting down trees, splitting rails, and the like, and during the evening eagerly devoting the few hours until bed-time to such books as he could manage to procure".

The Economist

The militarist, even imperial avocation of an Alexander Hamilton or a Theodore Roosevelt is countered by the Jeffersonian wariness of war as the sport of tyrants.

The Economist

Her idea was to immerse herself in a topic pugilism that was an unexpected avocation for a psychologist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An employee in various New York City banks, including that of John Jacob Astor, Halleck wrote only as an avocation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus far, the English lexicographers had all been men who made dictionaries in their leisure time or as an avocation, but in 1702 appeared a work by the first professional lexicographer, John Kersey the Younger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Until 1868 Japanese flower arrangement was generally a man's avocation, engaged in primarily by Buddhist priests, warriors, and the nobility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both men collected fossils as an avocation and are credited with the earliest published announcements in England of what later would be recognized as dinosaurs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But what was intended as a temporary reprieve from sorrow became a lifelong avocation and one of the most crucial intellectual events in Dante's career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A painter of coaches and signs in early life, for many years he devoted all his serious energies to his avocation of preaching.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hayter was trained in geology at King's College, London University, and initially regarded art as an avocation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting "avocation" with "vocation", ensure the distinction is clear: "vocation" is one's profession, while "avocation" is a chosen pursuit outside of work.

Common error

Avoid using "avocation" when you mean "vocation". "Vocation" refers to your primary occupation or career, while "avocation" is a hobby or side interest. Using them interchangeably can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The noun "avocation" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing a leisure activity pursued with dedication, as seen in Ludwig's examples. It often contrasts with "vocation", highlighting the difference between a hobby and a career.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academic sources

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avocation" is a grammatically correct noun that refers to a hobby or recreational activity pursued with dedication, often distinct from one's primary profession or vocation. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While "avocation" appears frequently in news and media, and encyclopedic contexts, it's crucial not to confuse it with "vocation", which denotes one's main career. Understanding this distinction ensures clarity and precision in writing, allowing you to effectively communicate an individual's diverse interests and passions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hobby

A general term for a leisure activity.

Pastime

An activity done for amusement; implies a relaxed approach.

Recreational pursuit

More formal way to describe a hobby.

Leisure activity

Highlights the activity's connection to free time.

Spare-time activity

Emphasizes that the activity is done during free time.

Side interest

Implies the activity is secondary to one's primary focus.

Extracurricular activity

Commonly used in educational contexts but applicable more broadly.

Non-professional interest

Highlights that the activity is not done for monetary gain.

Amateur pursuit

Suggests that the activity is engaged in by someone without formal training.

Diversion

Something that distracts from serious tasks or worries.

FAQs

How do I use "avocation" in a sentence?

Use "avocation" to describe a hobby or passion pursued outside of one's main job. For example, "Her vocation was teaching, but her avocation was painting".

What words can I use instead of "avocation"?

Alternatives to "avocation" include "hobby", "pastime", or "recreational pursuit", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "avocation" and "hobby"?

"Avocation" implies a deeper level of commitment and interest than a simple "hobby". While both are leisure activities, an avocation often involves more skill and dedication.

What is the opposite of "avocation"?

The opposite of "avocation" is "vocation", which refers to one's main occupation or professional calling.