avocations
|a-vo-ca-tions|
🇺🇸
/ˌævəˈkeɪʃənz/
🇬🇧
/ˌævəˈkeɪʃ(ə)nz/
(avocation)
hobby or minor occupation
Etymology
'avocation' originates from Latin, specifically the Medieval Latin word 'avocatio' (from 'avocare'), where 'a-' (from 'ab-') meant 'away' and 'vocare' meant 'to call'.
'avocation' changed from Medieval Latin 'avocatio' into Old French/Anglo-Norman forms and eventually became the modern English word 'avocation' via Middle English use.
Initially it meant 'a calling away' or 'withdrawal' (literally a calling away), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a secondary occupation or pastime.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a hobby or minor occupation pursued in addition to one's main work; a pastime or diversion.
Many professionals have artistic avocations such as painting or music.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
an activity or interest pursued outside one's principal occupation (formal/archaic sense).
In the 19th century the term could also refer to avocations of a cleric apart from his parish duties.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/03 02:54