Avocation
noun
Something a person does in addition to a regular job and usually for pleasure.
Gardening is her favorite avocation.
Often appears as...
- enjoy an avocation
- pursue an avocation
noun
The act of calling away or distracting; an interruption.
Though he was studying for his test, his younger brother's avocation was making it difficult.
Often appears as...
- cause an avocation
- be an avocation
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Academic
noun
Something a person does in addition to a regular job and usually for pleasure.
Gardening is her favorite avocation.
Often appears as...
- enjoy an avocation
- pursue an avocation
noun
The act of calling away or distracting; an interruption.
Though he was studying for his test, his younger brother's avocation was making it difficult.
Often appears as...
- cause an avocation
- be an avocation
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Beyond Occupation
An avocation is what someone enjoys doing outside of their main job, showing a personal choice without financial focus.
His day job was accounting, but his avocation of painting murals brightened the community.
Pro Tip 2/3Passion Projects
Avocations are often areas where people are deeply passionate, offering a glimpse into their personal interests.
Though a mechanic by trade, her avocation of writing poetry revealed her artistic soul.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Starter
Talking about one’s avocation can be a great way to break the ice and learn more about someone's personality and interests.
At the party, discussing his avocation in astronomy sparked a lively and engaging conversation.
Compare with
amusementdiversionhobbyinterestpastimesideline
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Video examples
Mark Bezos: A life...
and my avocation as a volunteer firefighter, I am witness to acts of generosity and kindness on a monumental scale, but I'm also witness to acts of grace and courage on an individual basis. And you know what I've learned? They all matter. So as I look around this room
Video examples
Mark Bezos: A life...
and my avocation as a volunteer firefighter, I am witness to acts of generosity and kindness on a monumental scale, but I'm also witness to acts of grace and courage on an individual basis. And you know what I've learned? They all matter. So as I look around this room
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
John Henrik Clarke
American Author
When Marcus Garvey died in 1940, the role of the British Empire was already being challenged by India and the rising expectations of her African colonies. Marcus Garvey's avocation of African redemption and the restoration of the African state's sovereign political entity in world affairs was still a dream without fulfillment.
Quote examples
Gertrude B. Elion
American Scientist
Over the years, my work became both my vocation and avocation. Since I enjoyed it so much, I never felt a great need to go outside for relaxation. Nevertheless, I became an avid photographer and traveler. Possibly my love for travel stems from the early years when my family seldom went away on vacation.
Quote examples
Susan Vreeland
American Author
Two of my grandfathers had been artists, lifelong oil painters, so I was exposed to art very young. I've always been interested in it, although I never pursued it as a career or even as an avocation.
Quote examples
Phil Gingrey
American Politician
I have always been someone who wants to get it right. That started when I ran for school board. It's an avocation that's become a full-time job.
Quote examples
Dorothea Dix
American Activist
To me, the avocation of a teacher has something elevating and exciting. While surrounded by the young, one may always be doing good.
Quote examples
Elsa Maxwell
American Writer
Giving parties is a trivial avocation, but it pays the dues for my union card in humanity.
Quote examples
Christina Baker Kline
American Novelist
Words are both my vocation and my avocation - reading, writing, editing, teaching.
Quote examples
John Henrik Clarke
American Author
When Marcus Garvey died in 1940, the role of the British Empire was already being challenged by India and the rising expectations of her African colonies. Marcus Garvey's avocation of African redemption and the restoration of the African state's sovereign political entity in world affairs was still a dream without fulfillment.
Quote examples
Gertrude B. Elion
American Scientist
Over the years, my work became both my vocation and avocation. Since I enjoyed it so much, I never felt a great need to go outside for relaxation. Nevertheless, I became an avid photographer and traveler. Possibly my love for travel stems from the early years when my family seldom went away on vacation.
Quote examples
Susan Vreeland
American Author
Two of my grandfathers had been artists, lifelong oil painters, so I was exposed to art very young. I've always been interested in it, although I never pursued it as a career or even as an avocation.
Quote examples
Phil Gingrey
American Politician
I have always been someone who wants to get it right. That started when I ran for school board. It's an avocation that's become a full-time job.
Quote examples
Dorothea Dix
American Activist
To me, the avocation of a teacher has something elevating and exciting. While surrounded by the young, one may always be doing good.
Quote examples
Elsa Maxwell
American Writer
Giving parties is a trivial avocation, but it pays the dues for my union card in humanity.
Quote examples
Christina Baker Kline
American Novelist
Words are both my vocation and my avocation - reading, writing, editing, teaching.
Example 1 of 7
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