Exploring the Meaning of Avocation: Your Passion Project Beyond Work
This video explores the concept of avocation – a hobby or secondary pursuit that you engage in for pleasure or satisfaction, beyond your regular job or profession. Learn the definition, etymology, and proper use of this insightful word.
Have you ever wondered what to call that passion project you work on outside of your regular job? Maybe it’s painting, playing an instrument, or even coding for fun.
Well, today we’re going to explore a word that perfectly captures these pursuits: avocation.
Word type:
Avocation is a noun, pronounced as av-uh-key-shuhn.
Meaning: An avocation refers to an activity that one engages in as a hobby or minor occupation, especially in addition to one’s regular work or profession.
It’s something you do for pleasure or satisfaction, rather than as a main job or source of income.
Word history:
The term avocation has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Latin word avocatio, which means a diversion or distraction.
The prefix a- means away, and vocatio means a calling or summons. So, etymologically, an avocation is something that calls you away from your primary vocation or occupation.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for avocation include vocation, profession, career, and occupation. These words typically refer to one’s primary job or life’s work, as opposed to a hobby or secondary pursuit.
Synonyms: Synonyms for avocation include hobby, pastime, sideline, leisure activity, and diversion. These words all describe activities done for enjoyment rather than as a primary source of income.
Examples use in sentences: Here are a few examples of how to use avocation in sentences: Although Sarah’s profession was accounting, her true avocation was landscape photography, which she pursued on weekends and vacations.
Many people find that having an avocation helps them maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduces stress.
Tom’s avocation of woodworking eventually turned into a successful small business, allowing him to quit his day job.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing avocation with vocation. Remember, a vocation is your primary occupation or calling, while an avocation is a hobby or secondary pursuit.
Another error is using avocation to describe any enjoyable activity, even if it’s not a regular or serious pursuit.
An avocation implies a level of dedication and regularity beyond just a casual interest. In conclusion, understanding and using the word avocation can help you precisely describe those passionate pursuits that complement your main work or studies.
Whether you’re preparing for the GRE or simply expanding your vocabulary, avocation is a valuable word to add to your linguistic toolkit.
So, what’s your avocation?
