Hobby vs. Pursuit — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
"Hobby" refers to leisure activities pursued for enjoyment, typically implying relaxation and pleasure; "pursuit" is a broader term encompassing any activity or goal actively sought after, often with a serious or professional intent.
Difference Between Hobby and Pursuit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hobby is typically an activity undertaken for relaxation and pleasure during one's leisure time. On the other hand, a pursuit can be any activity or goal that a person engages in actively, which may include professional, academic, or personal objectives.
Hobbies are usually recreational and non-essential, often done for personal satisfaction and without any intention of earning income. Whereas pursuits can be integral to one’s career or personal growth goals, and might even be pursued with the intent to achieve significant outcomes or gains.
Hobbies often involve activities such as crafting, collecting, gardening, or playing sports, which generally have a low barrier to entry and are accessible to many people. In contrast, pursuits could include advanced studies, research projects, or business ventures that require a significant investment of time, resources, and dedication.
The term "hobby" connotes a sense of casualness and relaxation, something that might not be taken too seriously. Conversely, a pursuit is often associated with determination and a degree of seriousness, reflecting a committed effort toward a specific objective.
People typically engage in hobbies to decompress from the stresses of life, finding joy and fulfillment in these activities without external pressures. On the other hand, pursuits may involve challenges, competition, and a level of stress as individuals strive to meet specific goals or standards.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.
An activity or goal actively sought after with serious intent.
Intent
Relaxation and enjoyment.
Achievement of specific goals, often professional or educational.
Examples
Gardening, knitting, playing video games.
Academic research, starting a business, professional sports.
Connotation
Casual, leisurely, non-essential.
Serious, determined, potentially stressful.
Accessibility
Generally accessible and easy to start.
May require significant resources, expertise, or commitment.
Compare with Definitions
Hobby
Often pursued during free time.
She enjoys coding as a hobby outside of work.
Pursuit
An activity with a specific goal or purpose.
His pursuit of a medical degree is challenging yet rewarding.
Hobby
Does not generally result in financial profit.
Painting is a hobby for him, not a business.
Pursuit
Often requires a high level of commitment and resources.
His pursuit of innovative technologies has led to significant breakthroughs.
Hobby
Typically non-professional and casual.
He builds model trains as a hobby.
Pursuit
Can be professional, academic, or personal.
Her pursuit of excellence in ballet requires hours of daily practice.
Hobby
Can be solitary or social.
Playing chess is a popular hobby among people of all ages.
Pursuit
May lead to professional or financial gains.
She is in pursuit of a career in law.
Hobby
A hobby is considered to be a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time. Hobbies include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other amusements.
Pursuit
Involves dedicated effort and planning.
The pursuit of his new business venture consumes most of his time.
Hobby
An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure
Her hobbies are reading and gardening
Pursuit
The act or an instance of chasing or pursuing
The pursuit of the suspect by the police.
Hobby
A small horse or pony.
Pursuit
The act of striving to gain or accomplish something
The pursuit of wealth.
The pursuit of higher education.
Hobby
A migratory Old World falcon with long, narrow wings, catching dragonflies and birds on the wing.
Pursuit
An activity, such as a vocation or hobby, engaged in regularly.
Hobby
An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure.
Pursuit
The act of pursuing.
Unremitting pursuit of wealth doesn't bring happiness, particularly if successful.
Hobby
Any of several small falcons of the genus Falco, formerly used for catching small birds or game.
Pursuit
A hobby or recreational activity, done regularly.
Hobby
An activity that one enjoys doing in one's spare time.
I like to collect stamps from different countries as a hobby.
Take up a hobby
Give up your hobby
Pursuit
(cycle racing) A discipline in track cycling where two opposing teams start on opposite sides of the track and try to catch their opponents.
Hobby
(horses) An extinct breed of horse native to the British Isles, also known as the Irish Hobby
Pursuit
Prosecution
Hobby
Any of four species of small falcons in the genus Falco, especially Falco subbuteo.
Pursuit
The act of following or going after; esp., a following with haste, either for sport or in hostility; chase; prosecution; as, the pursuit of game; the pursuit of an enemy.
Weak we are, and can not shun pursuit.
Hobby
A small, strong-winged European falcon (Falco subbuteo), formerly trained for hawking.
Pursuit
A following with a view to reach, accomplish, or obtain; endeavor to attain to or gain; as, the pursuit of knowledge; the pursuit of happiness or pleasure.
Hobby
A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag.
Pursuit
Course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to same end; as, mercantile pursuits; a literary pursuit.
Hobby
A stick, often with the head or figure of a horse, on which boys make believe to ride.
Pursuit
Prosecution.
That pursuit for tithes ought, and of ancient time did pertain to the spiritual court.
Hobby
A subject or plan upon which one is constantly setting off; a favorite and ever-recurring theme of discourse, thought, or effort; that which occupies one's attention unduly, or to the weariness of others; a ruling passion.
Not one of them has any hobbyhorse, to use the phrase of Sterne.
Pursuit
The act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture;
The culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit
Hobby
An auxiliary activity
Pursuit
A search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria;
The pursuit of love
Life is more than the pursuance of fame
A quest for wealth
Hobby
A child's plaything consisting of an imitation horse mounted on rockers; the child straddles it and pretends to ride
Pursuit
A diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly);
Sailing is her favorite pastime
His main pastime is gambling
He counts reading among his interests
They criticized the boy for his limited pursuits
Hobby
Small Old World falcon formerly trained and flown at small birds
Hobby
A leisure activity engaged in for pleasure.
Her hobby of bird-watching brings her immense joy.
Common Curiosities
What differentiates a hobby from a pursuit?
A hobby is primarily for leisure and enjoyment without financial incentives, whereas a pursuit is goal-oriented, often with professional or educational outcomes.
How do hobbies impact personal well-being?
Hobbies can significantly enhance personal well-being by providing relaxation, satisfaction, and an escape from daily stresses.
Is a pursuit always career-related?
Not necessarily; pursuits can also be personal or academic, aimed at achieving non-career related goals.
What are common reasons for engaging in a pursuit?
Common reasons include achieving career goals, personal development, or fulfilling specific academic or creative ambitions.
Can a hobby turn into a pursuit?
Yes, when a hobby is taken to a professional level or aimed at achieving specific goals, it can evolve into a pursuit.
Can pursuits be detrimental?
If not managed well, the stress and demands of pursuits can lead to burnout or negatively impact one’s personal life.
How does one choose a pursuit?
Choices are often based on personal or professional goals, interests, and the potential impact on future opportunities.
How much time is typically dedicated to a hobby compared to a pursuit?
Hobbies usually require less time and are done at one’s leisure, while pursuits demand more consistent and focused effort.
What motivates people to start a hobby?
Common motivators include the desire for a creative outlet, the need for relaxation, or the pleasure of learning something new.
Are there hobbies that are also pursuits?
Yes, activities like photography can be both hobbies and pursuits depending on the level of professional involvement and goals.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
