Avocational Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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avocational

[ˌævəˈkeɪʃənl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

related activities

Avocational refers to activities or pursuits that are not part of one's main occupation or profession. These are often hobbies or secondary interests that someone engages in during their free time, separate from their primary job.

Synonyms

hobbyist, nonprofessional, recreational.

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys avocational painting on weekends.
  • He takes avocational classes in photography after work.
  • Many people find avocational sports a great way to relax.
  • Writing poetry can be an avocational outlet for creativity.

Translations

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Origin of 'avocational'

The term 'avocational' is derived from the Latin word 'avocare', which means 'to call away'. The prefix 'a-' means 'away from' and 'vocare' relates to calling or voice, which in turn comes from 'vox', meaning 'voice'. The modern usage of 'avocational' emerged in the mid-20th century, reflecting a growing distinction between professional activities and personal interests or hobbies. This distinction became increasingly relevant as more people sought fulfillment outside their work obligations, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions beyond one's primary career.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,381, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.