Hobby vs. Interest — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
A hobby is a regular activity done for pleasure, while interest refers to a feeling of curiosity or liking towards a particular subject or activity.
Difference Between Hobby and Interest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hobby is typically an activity that individuals engage in during their leisure time, providing both enjoyment and relaxation. Interest, on the other hand, denotes a feeling of enthusiasm or curiosity about a particular subject, which might or might not translate into an active hobby.
Someone might have an interest in ancient civilizations, regularly reading about them, while another person might take it a step further by turning it into a hobby, such as collecting artifacts or visiting historical sites.
The scope of interests can be broad and varied, ranging from fleeting fascinations to deep-rooted passions. Hobbies, however, imply a more consistent and regular engagement in a particular activity.
While a hobby usually involves a certain level of skill or knowledge that develops over time, an interest might not necessarily require the same depth of expertise. For instance, having an interest in astronomy doesn't mean one can navigate the night sky, but someone with stargazing as a hobby might.
One's interests can lead to the discovery of new hobbies. For example, an initial interest in music can evolve into a hobby of playing a musical instrument.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A regular activity done for pleasure.
A feeling of curiosity or liking for something.
Commitment
Often involves consistent engagement.
Might be fleeting or long-lasting.
Skill Development
Usually implies the cultivation of skills over time.
Does not necessarily lead to skill development.
Examples
Painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument.
Liking for astronomy, curiosity about marine life.
Depth of Involvement
Involves active participation.
Can be passive or merely an appreciation.
Compare with Definitions
Hobby
A task or activity taken up to escape the routine.
Fishing is more than just a hobby for him; it's a therapy.
Interest
A state of being mentally engaged in something.
His interest in the project was evident from his focused approach.
Hobby
A leisure activity that involves a degree of skill or knowledge.
Baking has become her newest hobby, filling her home with delightful aromas.
Interest
A topic or subject that attracts attention.
Historical monuments have always held her interest.
Hobby
A pastime activity pursued for relaxation and pleasure.
Gardening has always been her favorite hobby.
Interest
A matter that affects or appeals to an individual.
Environmental conservation is an interest close to her heart.
Hobby
A recreational pursuit outside one's regular occupation.
After work, he indulges in his hobby of model train building.
Interest
Interest, in finance and economics, is payment from a borrower or deposit-taking financial institution to a lender or depositor of an amount above repayment of the principal sum (that is, the amount borrowed), at a particular rate. It is distinct from a fee which the borrower may pay the lender or some third party.
Hobby
An endeavor regularly engaged in for amusement.
Her hobby of stamp collecting has introduced her to various cultures.
Interest
A state of curiosity or concern about or attention to something
An interest in sports.
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.
Interest
Something, such as a quality, subject, or activity, that evokes this mental state
Counts the theater among his interests.
Hobby
An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure
Her hobbies are reading and gardening
Interest
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.
Hobby
A small horse or pony.
Interest
A right, claim, or legal share
An interest in the new company.
Hobby
A migratory Old World falcon with long, narrow wings, catching dragonflies and birds on the wing.
Interest
Something in which such a right, claim, or share is held
Has interests overseas.
Hobby
An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure.
Interest
A person or group of persons holding such a right, claim, or share
A petroleum interest.
Hobby
Any of several small falcons of the genus Falco, formerly used for catching small birds or game.
Interest
Involvement with or participation in something
She has an interest in the quality of her education.
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
Interest
A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount loaned.
Hobby
(horses) An extinct breed of horse native to the British Isles, also known as the Irish Hobby
Interest
An excess or bonus beyond what is expected or due.
Hobby
Any of four species of small falcons in the genus Falco, especially Falco subbuteo.
Interest
An interest group.
Hobby
A small, strong-winged European falcon (Falco subbuteo), formerly trained for hawking.
Interest
The particular cause supported by an interest group.
Hobby
A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag.
Interest
To arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of
Your opinions interest me.
Hobby
A stick, often with the head or figure of a horse, on which boys make believe to ride.
Interest
To cause to become involved or concerned with
Tried to interest her in taking a walk.
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.
Interest
(Archaic) To concern or affect.
Hobby
An auxiliary activity
Interest
The price paid for obtaining, or price received for providing, money or goods in a credit transaction, calculated as a fraction of the amount or value of what was borrowed.
Our bank offers borrowers an annual interest of 5%.
Hobby
A child's plaything consisting of an imitation horse mounted on rockers; the child straddles it and pretends to ride
Interest
Any excess over and above an exact equivalent
Hobby
Small Old World falcon formerly trained and flown at small birds
Interest
(uncountable) A great attention and concern from someone or something; intellectual curiosity.
He has a lot of interest in vintage cars.
Interest
(uncountable) Attention that is given to or received from someone or something.
Interest
(countable) An involvement, claim, right, share, stake in or link with a financial, business, or other undertaking or endeavor.
When scientists and doctors write articles and when politicians run for office, they are required in many countries to declare any existing conflicts of interest.
I have business interests in South Africa.
She has an interest in the proceedings, and all stakeholders' interests must be protected.
Interest
(countable) Something or someone one is interested in.
Lexicography is one of my interests.
Victorian furniture is an interest of mine.
The main character's romantic interest will be played by a non-professional actor.
Interest
(uncountable) Condition or quality of exciting concern or being of importance.
Interest
Injury, or compensation for injury; damages.
Interest
The persons interested in any particular business or measure, taken collectively.
The iron interest;
The cotton interest
Interest
To engage the attention of; to awaken interest in; to excite emotion or passion in, in behalf of a person or thing.
It might interest you to learn that others have already tried that approach.
Action films don't really interest me.
Interest
To be concerned with or engaged in; to affect; to concern; to excite.
Interest
(obsolete) To cause or permit to share.
Interest
To engage the attention of; to awaken interest in; to excite emotion or passion in, in behalf of a person or thing; as, the subject did not interest him; to interest one in charitable work.
To love our native country . . . to be interested in its concerns is natural to all men.
A goddess who used to interest herself in marriages.
Interest
To be concerned with or engaged in; to affect; to concern; to excite; - often used impersonally.
Or rather, gracious sir,Create me to this glory, since my causeDoth interest this fair quarrel.
Interest
To cause or permit to share.
The mystical communion of all faithful men is such as maketh every one to be interested in those precious blessings which any one of them receiveth at God's hands.
Interest
Excitement of feeling, whether pleasant or painful, accompanying special attention to some object; concern; a desire to learn more about a topic or engage often in an activity.
So much interest have I in thy sorrow.
Interest
Participation in advantage, profit, and responsibility; share; portion; part; as, an interest in a brewery; he has parted with his interest in the stocks.
Interest
Advantage, personal or general; good, regarded as a selfish benefit; profit; benefit.
Divisions hinder the common interest and public good.
When interest calls of all her sneaking train.
Interest
A fee paid for the use of money; a fee paid for a loan; - usually reckoned as a percentage; as, interest at five per cent per annum on ten thousand dollars.
They have told their money, and let outTheir coin upon large interest.
Interest
Any excess of advantage over and above an exact equivalent for what is given or rendered.
You shall have your desires with interest.
Interest
The persons interested in any particular business or measure, taken collectively; as, the iron interest; the cotton interest.
Interest
A sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something;
An interest in music
Interest
The power of attracting or holding one's interest (because it is unusual or exciting etc.);
They said nothing of great interest
Primary colors can add interest to a room
Interest
A reason for wanting something done;
For your sake
Died for the sake of his country
In the interest of safety
In the common interest
Interest
A fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed;
How much interest do you pay on your mortgage?
Interest
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
Interest
(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something;
They have interests all over the world
A stake in the company's future
Interest
(usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims;
The iron interests stepped up production
Interest
Excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
Interest
Be on the mind of;
I worry about the second Germanic consonant
Interest
Be of importance or consequence;
This matters to me!
Interest
A feeling of enthusiasm or curiosity about a subject.
Her interest in marine biology led her to coastal expeditions.
Interest
A concern or stake in something.
He has a vested interest in the success of the company.
Common Curiosities
Does every interest result in a hobby?
Not necessarily. Interests can remain passive or not translate into a regular activity.
Is a hobby always a product of personal interest?
While often the case, some people might take up a hobby due to external influences like peer pressure.
Can hobbies and interests change over time?
Certainly, as people grow and evolve, so do their hobbies and interests.
Is there any age limit to pursue a hobby or develop an interest?
No, hobbies and interests can be cultivated and enjoyed at any age.
Can hobbies turn into professions?
Yes, many people have transformed their hobbies into successful careers.
Can interests be developed deliberately?
Yes, exposure to new topics or subjects can spark new interests.
Can one make money from their hobby?
Definitely, many hobbies, when pursued with passion, can become lucrative endeavors.
Can an interest evolve into a hobby?
Absolutely, many hobbies begin as mere interests before evolving into more active pursuits.
Can one have multiple hobbies and interests?
Yes, individuals often have diverse interests and may pursue multiple hobbies.
Which is more passive: hobby or interest?
Interest is more passive, while a hobby typically involves active participation.
Do interests always require action?
No, one can have an interest in something without actively pursuing it.
How do hobbies benefit mental health?
Hobbies provide relaxation, a sense of purpose, and a break from routine, all of which benefit mental well-being.
How can one find a hobby aligned with their interests?
Exploring and experimenting with various activities related to one's interests can lead to finding a suitable hobby.
Is it necessary for hobbies to align with one's profession or field of study?
No, hobbies are personal pursuits and don't need to align with one's profession.
How do interests shape one's personality?
Interests influence values, perspectives, and actions, playing a significant role in shaping one's personality.
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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.
