Interests vs. Hobbies — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 2, 2023
Interests are subjects or activities you enjoy or want to know more about, while hobbies are specific activities pursued for pleasure or relaxation in one's spare time.
Difference Between Interests and Hobbies
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Interests denote a general liking or desire to engage in various activities or topics. These can be passive inclinations or preferences that don't necessitate active engagement, suggesting flexibility and a broad scope. For example, someone might have an interest in art, encompassing various forms and periods without actively participating in art creation.
Hobbies, however, are regular activities done for enjoyment in one's leisure time, often necessitating a certain level of active participation and commitment. They require a more focused approach and often mean that people are not just appreciative of a certain domain but are also involved in related activities. For instance, painting is a hobby, requiring active, regular participation and a certain skill set.
Interests can lead to hobbies, but the two are not interchangeable. Having an interest might lead an individual to explore specific hobbies. For instance, an interest in music might lead someone to collect vinyl records, play an instrument, or compose music, all of which are hobbies requiring time and active involvement.
Hobbies usually involve a learning curve and development of certain skills, resulting from an individual's investment of time and effort. They can be shared in communities of like-minded individuals, often leading to social interactions, unlike interests, which can remain solitary and unexplored.
Interests may change over time and can be fleeting, whereas hobbies tend to be more stable, often lasting for many years, if not a lifetime. This is because hobbies often require an investment of both time and resources, leading to a deeper emotional and sometimes financial commitment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Preferences or inclinations toward certain topics.
Activities undertaken for pleasure in spare time.
Level of Engagement
Can be passive or active.
Requires active participation.
Investment
Emotional or intellectual curiosity.
Time, effort, and often financial resources.
Skill Development
Not necessary.
Often involves acquiring and honing skills.
Social Interaction
Optional, can be solitary.
Often shared within communities of enthusiasts.
Compare with Definitions
Interests
Interests are subjects that you find appealing and to which you are naturally drawn.
He always knew his interests lay in the field of marine conservation.
Hobbies
Hobbies are activities you regularly do for pleasure during your leisure time.
One of her favorite hobbies is gardening on the weekends.
Interests
Interests are areas or activities you have a strong inclination towards without actively engaging in them.
Even though she’s busy with work, she never neglects her interests in music and film.
Hobbies
Hobbies involve engaging in creative, athletic, or skill-building activities for relaxation.
Building model trains is one of his most time-consuming hobbies.
Interests
Interests represent the sectors or industries you are curious about or would like to explore.
His interests in technology and innovation led him to attend several digital conferences.
Hobbies
Hobbies can be pursuits that provide an escape from daily routine and work.
She found that creative hobbies like painting and writing provided a great counterbalance to her analytical day job.
Interests
A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something
An interest in sports.
Hobbies
Hobbies are often hands-on activities that require an investment of time and effort.
Restoring old cars is one of his most rewarding hobbies, despite the hard work involved.
Interests
Something, such as a quality, subject, or activity, that evokes this mental state
Counts the theater among his interests.
Hobbies
Hobbies can also be educational pursuits that engage the mind or body.
Learning foreign languages and practicing martial arts are hobbies that she’s very passionate about.
Interests
Often interests Regard for one's own benefit or advantage; self-interest
It is in your best interest to cooperate. She kept her own interests in mind.
Hobbies
An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure.
Interests
A right, claim, or legal share
An interest in the new company.
Hobbies
Any of several small falcons of the genus Falco, formerly used for catching small birds or game.
Interests
Something in which such a right, claim, or share is held
Has interests overseas.
Hobbies
Plural of hobby
Interests
A person or group of persons holding such a right, claim, or share
A petroleum interest.
Interests
Involvement with or participation in something
She has an interest in the quality of her education.
Interests
A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount loaned.
Interests
An excess or bonus beyond what is expected or due.
Interests
An interest group.
Interests
The particular cause supported by an interest group.
Interests
To arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of
Your opinions interest me.
Interests
To cause to become involved or concerned with
Tried to interest her in taking a walk.
Interests
(Archaic) To concern or affect.
Interests
Plural of interest
Interests
The persons interested in any particular business or cause, taken collectively.
The coal-mining interests
The separatist interests
Interests
Interests refer to things or topics that attract your attention and you enjoy learning about.
Her interests include a wide range of subjects from astronomy to classical literature.
Interests
Interests can be causes or global issues that you care about and support.
Environmental and humanitarian interests have always motivated her career choices.
Common Curiosities
Can I have multiple hobbies and interests?
Definitely, people often have several hobbies and interests, which can vary widely.
Do interests require active participation?
No, interests can be passive and don't require the level of engagement that hobbies typically do.
Can hobbies become a source of income?
While hobbies are typically non-professional activities, some can evolve into paid opportunities or businesses.
Do all hobbies stem from interests?
Generally, yes. Hobbies usually develop from an underlying interest in a particular subject or activity.
Can interests become hobbies?
Yes, interests often serve as a gateway to exploring hobbies, especially when one decides to actively engage with a particular interest.
Can interests and hobbies change over time?
Absolutely, both interests and hobbies can evolve as individuals are exposed to new experiences and as their lifestyles change.
Are hobbies only recreational?
While hobbies are primarily for personal enjoyment, they can also be educational or even semi-professional activities.
How do I discover new interests?
Exploring new areas, reading, meeting new people, and trying new activities can help you identify new interests.
Do interests need to be pursued actively?
No, interests can simply be areas you enjoy learning about, with no action required.
Should I include hobbies and interests on my resume?
It can be beneficial if the hobbies or interests are relevant to the job or showcase transferable skills or unique aspects of your personality.
Does having hobbies and interests have psychological benefits?
Yes, engaging in hobbies and exploring interests can reduce stress, increase happiness, and enhance life satisfaction.
Are hobbies important in personal development?
Yes, hobbies can enhance skill sets, provide new challenges, and contribute to personal growth.
Can hobbies and interests overlap?
Certainly, when an interest is pursued with enough depth and engagement, it can easily become a hobby.
Are some hobbies more valuable than others?
The value of a hobby is subjective and depends on personal satisfaction and the benefits it brings to the individual.
How can I find time for hobbies?
Prioritizing and scheduling, even in small increments, can help ensure you have time to engage in activities you love.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Penicillinase vs. Beta Lactamase
Next Comparison
PH Meter vs. Conductivity MeterAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
