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Avocation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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avocation

av-o-ca-tion

🇺🇸 /ˌævəˈkeɪʃən/ · 🇬🇧 /ˌævəkˈeɪʃən/

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

personal interest

An avocation is a hobby or activity pursued for pleasure and not as a main occupation. It is something that brings enjoyment and fulfillment outside of work or daily responsibilities.

Synonyms

hobby, interest, pastime.

Examples of usage

  • Her avocation is painting landscapes on weekends.
  • He finds gardening to be a relaxing avocation after a long day at the office.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “avocation”

Avocation is a 4-syllable noun (av-o-ca-tion). It is pronounced /ˌævəˈkeɪʃən/ in American English and /ˌævəkˈeɪʃən/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #26,732 among the most common English words.

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“avocation” in psychology

  • Engaging in avocations can significantly boost mental health, relieving stress and enhancing creativity.
  • Studies show that hobbies can improve overall life satisfaction, contributing to a well-rounded, fulfilling life.
  • Having a strong avocation can lead to increased resilience, helping individuals cope better with the stresses of daily life.

“avocation” in career development

  • Many successful people attribute their creativity and innovation in their fields to engaging in avocations.
  • Avocations can lead to networking opportunities, providing connections that may enhance one's professional life.
  • Balancing work and avocations often results in better time management and increased productivity.

“avocation” in cultural perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique perspectives on avocations; in some places, they are seen as essential for work-life balance.
  • In Japan, many people engage in 'hobby culture', where avocations are celebrated and often integrated into social life.
  • The rise of social media has allowed people to share their avocations widely, creating communities around shared interests.

“avocation” in literature

  • Avocations are often featured in literature as a means for characters to escape their everyday realities.
  • Famous authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King had avocations outside of writing that inspired their creations.
  • Many autobiographies highlight how personal interests can shape a person’s life journey beyond their professional identity.

Origin of 'avocation'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'avocation' comes from the Latin word 'avocatio', meaning 'to summon away' from work.
  • It was originally used in English around the early 15th century, referring to a calling away from professional duties.
  • The prefix 'a-' means 'away from', indicating that an avocation is something enjoyable done away from regular work.

The word 'avocation' originated from the Latin word 'avocatio' which means a calling away or distraction. It was first used in the mid-17th century to refer to a diversion or pastime. Over time, it evolved to represent a hobby or personal interest pursued outside of one's main occupation.

See also: vocations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,732, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.