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Hobbies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hobbies

[ˈhɒbiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal interests

Activities done for pleasure during one's free time, often pursued as a hobby. Hobbies can include a wide range of interests such as painting, gardening, playing musical instruments, and collecting stamps.

Synonyms

interests, leisure activities, pastimes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hobbies

Most commonly used to describe regular activities that one enjoys doing in their free time. Suitable for casual conversation, formal writing, and broad contexts.

  • Her hobbies include painting and hiking.
  • People often take up new hobbies to relieve stress.
interests

Used to refer to subjects or activities that someone is curious about or enjoys learning more about. It can be broader than hobbies and include passive engagement.

  • My interests include history and classical music.
  • She has a keen interest in astronomy.
pastimes

Refers to activities that people do regularly for enjoyment. Often used in a nostalgic or more old-fashioned way.

  • Reading detective novels is one of his favorite pastimes.
  • Fishing has been a popular pastime for years.
leisure activities

Refers to activities done during one's free time for relaxation or enjoyment. Often used in formal contexts or discussions about lifestyle.

  • Leisure activities such as swimming and yoga can help reduce stress.
  • The survey asked about participants' leisure activities.

Examples of usage

  • I have several hobbies including photography and hiking.
  • Her hobby of knitting keeps her busy in the evenings.
  • Exploring new hobbies can lead to discovering hidden talents.
Context #2 | Noun

obsessive interests

Intense interests or activities that someone spends a lot of time on and often talks about. These hobbies can sometimes become a central part of a person's life.

Synonyms

fixations, obsessions, passions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hobbies

Used to describe activities done for fun or relaxation during free time.

  • She has many hobbies, including painting and hiking
  • Playing the guitar is one of his favorite hobbies
obsessions

Used for something that a person thinks about constantly and can't seem to let go of. This word often implies a negative impact.

  • His obsession with perfection made him redo his work multiple times
  • She couldn’t focus on anything else due to her obsession with social media
passions

Used for something that someone loves deeply and feels strongly about. It can be both positive and negative depending on context.

  • Teaching is her passion, and she dedicates countless hours to her students
  • His passion for cooking led him to become a chef
fixations

Used when someone has an unhealthy or overly intense focus on something. It often has a negative connotation.

  • His fixations on video games affected his school performance
  • She had a fixation with cleanliness, washing her hands every few minutes

Examples of usage

  • His hobby of model trains takes up most of his weekends.
  • She turned her hobby of baking into a successful business.
  • Collecting vintage cars is more than just a hobby for him.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Engaging in hobbies can reduce stress, helping people feel more relaxed and happier.
  • Research shows that having a hobby can improve mental health by providing a sense of purpose and achievement.

Cultural Variations

  • In different cultures, hobbies can vary widely – some may prefer outdoor activities, while others enjoy crafting or music.
  • Crafting, such as knitting or pottery, is a popular hobby in many cultures around the world, reflecting local traditions and skills.

Pop Culture

  • Hobbies have been celebrated in films and literature, like in the movie 'Julie & Julia,' where cooking becomes a creative outlet.
  • Comic books and graphic novels often feature characters with unique hobbies that help define their personalities.

Science

  • Studies show that people who pursue hobbies tend to live longer, healthier lives due to the joy and engagement they bring.
  • Hobbies that require physical activity, such as sports or dancing, promote cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

Origin of 'hobbies'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hobby' comes from 'hobbyhorse,' a toy horse that people rode for fun in medieval times.
  • The term evolved in the 19th century to refer to leisure activities that bring joy, rather than just toys.

The word 'hobbies' originated in the 19th century from the term 'hobby-horse,' which referred to a small, toy horse. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent activities done for pleasure or relaxation. Hobbies are an essential part of human life, providing a creative outlet and a way to unwind from daily stress.

See also: hobby, hobbyist.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,046, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.