IELTS Vocabulary List: Hobbies
Pastime
Explanation: An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work.
Example: Reading has always been a favorite pastime of mine.
Leisure
Explanation: Free time when one is not working or occupied; free time for enjoyment.
Example: During my leisure, I enjoy painting and listening to music.
Recreation
Explanation: Activities done for enjoyment when one is not working.
Example: Hiking and cycling are my preferred forms of recreation.
Hobbyist
Explanation: A person who pursues an activity for pleasure and not as a profession.
Example: As a hobbyist photographer, I spend weekends capturing nature scenes.
Engagement
Explanation: The action of being involved in an activity.
Example: Engagement in sports can improve physical health and social skills.
Avocation
Explanation: A hobby or minor occupation pursued in addition to one’s main career.
Example: Gardening serves as an avocation for many city dwellers seeking relaxation.
Interest
Explanation: An activity that one enjoys doing or learning about.
Example: My interest in astronomy led me to join a local stargazing club.
Pursuit
Explanation: An activity that one engages in as a hobby or interest.
Example: Her pursuit of painting has become a significant part of her life.
Enthusiast
Explanation: A person who is very interested in and involved with a particular activity or subject.
Example: As a tech enthusiast, he keeps up with the latest gadgets and innovations.
Pastime
Explanation: An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work.
Example: Reading is a popular pastime that many find relaxing.
Dedication
Explanation: The quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
Example: His dedication to woodworking has resulted in several beautiful pieces.
Leisurely
Explanation: Acting or done in a relaxed and unhurried manner.
Example: She enjoys leisurely walks in the park every evening.
Amateur
Explanation: A person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid basis.
Example: As an amateur painter, she often participates in local art exhibitions.
Craft
Explanation: An activity involving skill in making things by hand.
Example: Pottery is a craft that requires patience and precision.
Talent
Explanation: A natural aptitude or skill.
Example: His talent for music became evident at a very young age.
Skill
Explanation: The ability to do something well, usually gained through training or experience.
Example: Developing culinary skills can lead to more enjoyable meal preparation.
Engrossing
Explanation: Something that fully occupies the mind or attention.
Example: The book was so engrossing that she read it in one sitting.
Relaxation
Explanation: The state of being free from tension and anxiety.
Example: Meditation provides a form of relaxation after a stressful day.
Fascination
Explanation: The power to capture and hold interest and attention.
Example: His fascination with history led him to visit many historical sites.
Diversion
Explanation: An activity that distracts the mind from tedious or serious concerns.
Example: Playing chess is a great diversion from daily stress.
Vocation
Explanation: A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.
Example: Teaching is not just a job for her; it’s her vocation.
Excursion
Explanation: A short journey or trip, especially one engaged in as a leisure activity.
Example: Weekend excursions to the countryside are a great way to relax.
Cultivate
Explanation: To develop a skill, interest, or quality by careful attention and practice.
Example: She cultivated her interest in photography through online courses.
Aficionado
Explanation: A person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.
Example: As a wine aficionado, he can distinguish between hundreds of varieties.
Fulfillment
Explanation: The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
Example: Volunteering brings a sense of fulfillment to many people.
Lifelong
Explanation: Lasting or remaining in a particular state throughout a person’s life.
Example: She has had a lifelong passion for classical music.
Dabble
Explanation: To take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
Example: He likes to dabble in painting, though he is not a professional artist.
Obsession
Explanation: An activity or thought that someone thinks about constantly or frequently.
Example: Her obsession with gardening has turned her backyard into a mini oasis.
Passion
Explanation: A strong enthusiasm or interest in something.
Example: His passion for cooking led him to open his own restaurant.
Zeal
Explanation: Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.
Example: Her zeal for fitness inspired many in her community to start exercising.