Hiatus vs. Sabbatical — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 19, 2024
Hiatus refers to a temporary break or interruption in a sequence, while a sabbatical is a planned period of leave from work, usually for study or travel.
Difference Between Hiatus and Sabbatical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hiatus is generally a pause or gap in a continuous series, often without a predefined end, and can occur in various contexts such as careers, series, or events. Whereas, a sabbatical specifically pertains to an extended absence from professional duties, typically granted to university professors and other professionals to allow for personal development, research, or rest.
Hiatuses are often spontaneous or caused by external circumstances and may not involve formal planning. On the other hand, a sabbatical is usually planned well in advance and often has specific goals or projects associated with it, such as writing a book or conducting research.
While a hiatus can affect anyone in any career or situation requiring a temporary cessation, a sabbatical is more structured and is usually part of an employment agreement, particularly in academic and educational fields.
A hiatus does not typically have formal requirements or conditions attached to it; it is simply a break. Conversely, a sabbatical might require the participant to meet certain conditions, like producing scholarly work or presenting research findings upon return.
In terms of duration, a hiatus could be of any length – from a few days to several years – and is often undefined. A sabbatical, however, typically has a fixed duration, commonly ranging from a few months to a year, based on the policies of the employing institution.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A break or gap in continuity.
A period of paid leave granted for study or travel.
Planning
Often unplanned or spontaneous.
Planned, often years in advance.
Duration
Can vary widely, often indefinite.
Usually fixed, from a few months to a year.
Purpose
General pause, often for relief or necessity.
Professional development or academic research.
Employment Link
Not linked to employment benefits.
Often part of employment terms, especially in academia.
Compare with Definitions
Hiatus
A pause in a series.
The TV show went on a hiatus after five seasons.
Sabbatical
Employment benefit in academia.
After seven years of teaching, professors are eligible for a sabbatical.
Hiatus
Break from routine.
He took a brief hiatus from social media to improve his mental health.
Sabbatical
Extended leave from work.
She's on a sabbatical to research renewable energy solutions.
Hiatus
Interruption of continuity.
Her career took a hiatus when she went back to school.
Sabbatical
Period for personal development.
Her sabbatical included a series of professional workshops.
Hiatus
Temporary cessation.
The band announced a hiatus from touring to focus on their families.
Sabbatical
Time off with a purpose.
His sabbatical is dedicated to advancing his scientific research.
Hiatus
A gap in a sequence.
There was a noticeable hiatus in the company's annual meetings during the recession.
Sabbatical
Academic leave for study or travel.
He took a sabbatical year to write a book in the mountains.
Hiatus
A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break
"We are likely to be disconcerted by ... hiatuses of thought" (Edmund Wilson).
Sabbatical
A sabbatical (from Hebrew: shabbat (שבת) (i.e., Sabbath), in Latin: sabbaticus, in Greek: sabbatikos (σαββατικός)) is a rest or break from work.
Hiatus
(Linguistics) A slight pause that occurs when two immediately adjacent vowels in consecutive syllables are pronounced, as in reality and naive.
Sabbatical
Relating to a sabbatical year.
Hiatus
(Anatomy) A separation, aperture, fissure, or short passage in an organ or body part.
Sabbatical
Sabbatical also Sabbatic Relating or appropriate to the Sabbath as the day of rest.
Hiatus
A gap in a series, making it incomplete.
Sabbatical
A sabbatical year.
Hiatus
An interruption, break or pause.
The band decided to go on hiatus, citing creative differences.
Sabbatical
Relating to the Sabbath.
Hiatus
An unexpected break from work.
Berserk's hiatus is never going to end now...
Sabbatical
Relating to a sabbatical.
Hiatus
(geology) A gap in geological strata.
Sabbatical
An extended period of leave from a person's usual pursuits.
Hiatus
(anatomy) An opening in an organ.
Hiatus aorticus is an opening in the diaphragm through which aorta and thoracic duct pass.
Sabbatical
A leave usually taken every seventh year
Hiatus
A syllable break between two vowels, without an intervening consonant. (Compare diphthong.)
Sabbatical
Of or relating to the Sabbath;
Friday is a sabbatical day for Muslims
Hiatus
A temporary absence from the public or the mainstream.
Sabbatical
Of or relating to sabbatical leave;
Sabbatical research project
Hiatus
An opening; an aperture; a gap; a chasm; esp., a defect in a manuscript, where some part is lost or effaced; a space where something is wanting; a break.
Hiatus
The concurrence of two vowels in two successive words or syllables.
Hiatus
An interruption in the intensity or amount of something
Hiatus
A missing piece (as a gap in a manuscript)
Hiatus
A natural opening or perforation through a bone or a membranous structure
Common Curiosities
Who can take a sabbatical?
Sabbaticals are commonly available to academics and other professionals as part of their employment agreement.
What is a hiatus?
A hiatus is a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, or any ongoing situation.
What is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical is a period during which an employee is allowed to leave their duties temporarily but retains their position, often to study or travel.
How long does a hiatus last?
The duration of a hiatus varies greatly and can be from a few days to several years, depending on the context.
What are the benefits of a sabbatical?
The benefits of a sabbatical include professional development, mental health improvement, and enhanced job performance upon return.
How long is a typical sabbatical?
Sabbaticals typically last from a few months to one year.
Can anyone have a hiatus?
Yes, anyone can have a hiatus in various aspects of their life, whether personal or professional.
What activities are done during a sabbatical?
Activities during a sabbatical can include research, study, travel, or any other project that promotes professional growth.
Do I need to plan for a hiatus?
A hiatus does not usually require formal planning and can be spontaneous.
Can I take a sabbatical to focus on personal interests?
Yes, many sabbaticals are taken to pursue personal interests or passions that are not directly related to one's job.
Is a sabbatical paid?
Sabbaticals are usually paid, but the specifics can vary based on the employer's policy.
What is the main difference between a hiatus and a sabbatical?
The main difference is that a hiatus is typically unplanned and can be a complete cessation, while a sabbatical is a planned, purposeful break that often involves personal or professional development activities.
Can a hiatus be part of employment terms?
Typically, a hiatus is not part of employment terms unless it is a formal leave of absence agreed with the employer.
Why do people take a hiatus?
People take hiatuses for personal reasons, health issues, burnout, or to make significant life changes.
Does a hiatus affect career progression?
A hiatus can affect career progression, depending on its length and the reasons for it.
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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.
