Hobby vs. Leisure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
A hobby is a regular activity done for enjoyment, while leisure is free time available for hobbies or relaxation.
Difference Between Hobby and Leisure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hobby is an activity one engages in regularly for pleasure, such as knitting or stamp collecting. Leisure refers to free time when one is not working and can relax or enjoy hobbies.
Leisure time presents the opportunity to pursue hobbies, which are specific pursuits chosen for personal fulfillment. Hobbies are an active choice within leisure, a time that could also be spent doing nothing.
Hobbies often require a certain level of active engagement or skill, like playing a musical instrument. Leisure, however, encompasses all forms of downtime and is not limited to skillful activities.
The concept of a hobby implies a repeated and habitual activity, while leisure is more about the unoccupied time regardless of what one chooses to do with it.
Engaging in a hobby can be a way to make leisure time more meaningful. Conversely, leisure time does not necessitate an activity and can simply be rest or idleness.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An activity done regularly in one's free time for pleasure.
Free time when one is not working or occupied.
Nature
Active and engaging.
Passive or active, depending on choice.
Purpose
Personal fulfillment and enjoyment.
Rest, relaxation, or engaging in various activities.
Examples
Collecting coins, gardening, painting.
Taking a vacation, lounging, leisurely walking.
Regularity
Often involves a routine or regularity.
Can be sporadic or routine, such as weekends.
Compare with Definitions
Hobby
Regularly practiced pastime
Making model trains is not just a hobby; it's an art.
Leisure
Opportunity for ease and relaxation
Leisure by the beach is her idea of a perfect day.
Hobby
Activity with a skill aspect
Her hobby of playing the piano is impressive.
Leisure
Time free from duties
He spends his leisure time reading novels.
Hobby
Personal interest activity
His hobby of vintage car restoration is quite a commitment.
Leisure
Chance to take a break
On weekends, his leisure is sacred to him.
Hobby
An activity done for pleasure
Her hobby of bird watching requires patience.
Leisure
Period of discretionary time
Retirement provided him with ample leisure to travel.
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.
Leisure
Interval of recreational time
She looks forward to her leisure hours to unwind with yoga.
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
Leisure
Leisure has often been defined as a quality of experience or as free time. Free time is time spent away from business, work, job hunting, domestic chores, and education, as well as necessary activities such as eating and sleeping.
Hobby
An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure
Her hobbies are reading and gardening
Leisure
Free time when one is not working or attending to other duties.
Hobby
A small horse or pony.
Leisure
Relaxation or activities engaged in during such time
The pursuit of leisure.
Hobby
A migratory Old World falcon with long, narrow wings, catching dragonflies and birds on the wing.
Leisure
Freedom provided by the cessation of activities.
Hobby
An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure.
Leisure
Free time, time free from work or duties.
Hobby
Any of several small falcons of the genus Falco, formerly used for catching small birds or game.
Leisure
Time at one's command, free from engagement; convenient opportunity; hence, convenience; ease.
Hobby
(horses) An extinct breed of horse native to the British Isles, also known as the Irish Hobby
Leisure
Freedom from occupation or business; vacant time; time free from employment.
The desire of leisure is much more natural than of business and care.
Hobby
Any of four species of small falcons in the genus Falco, especially Falco subbuteo.
Leisure
Time at one's command, free from engagement; convenient opportunity; hence, convenience; ease.
He sighed, and had no leisure more to say.
Hobby
A small, strong-winged European falcon (Falco subbuteo), formerly trained for hawking.
Leisure
Unemployed; as, leisure hours.
Hobby
A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag.
Leisure
Time available for ease and relaxation;
His job left him little leisure
Hobby
A stick, often with the head or figure of a horse, on which boys make believe to ride.
Leisure
Freedom to choose a pastime or enjoyable activity;
He lacked the leisure for golf
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.
Hobby
An auxiliary activity
Hobby
A child's plaything consisting of an imitation horse mounted on rockers; the child straddles it and pretends to ride
Hobby
Small Old World falcon formerly trained and flown at small birds
Hobby
Pursuit outside one's occupation
He turns to woodworking, his favorite hobby, every weekend.
Common Curiosities
How do hobbies benefit people?
Hobbies provide a sense of relaxation, fulfillment, and can improve skills and social connections.
What defines a hobby?
A hobby is any activity that one engages in for pleasure on a regular basis.
Can a hobby be considered work?
No, a hobby is typically pursued for pleasure, not as a primary source of income.
Is all free time considered leisure?
Yes, leisure is any time when you are not obligated to work or perform duties.
How much leisure time should a person have?
This varies by individual needs and lifestyles; there is no set amount of leisure time one "should" have.
Is reading a book considered a hobby or leisure?
It can be both: a hobby if done regularly for pleasure, or a leisure activity when done occasionally.
What does leisure mean?
Leisure refers to time free from work or obligations, available for relaxation or enjoyment.
Can a hobby turn into a profession?
Yes, some people turn their hobbies into careers, but then it is no longer just for pleasure.
Are leisure and recreation the same?
Recreation is an activity done for enjoyment during leisure time, so it is a part of leisure but not synonymous with it.
How important is leisure?
Leisure is important for mental health, relaxation, and personal well-being.
Do hobbies have to be skillful activities?
While many hobbies involve skill development, they can also be simple activities done for enjoyment.
Can leisure activities include doing nothing?
Yes, leisure can include restful inactivity or relaxation without a specific focus.
Is watching TV a hobby?
It can be considered a hobby if it's done regularly and with keen interest, such as following certain shows passionately.
Can travel be a hobby?
Yes, if travel is pursued actively and regularly for enjoyment, it can be considered a hobby.
Does having a hobby require leisure time?
Yes, hobbies are typically pursued during one's leisure time.
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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.
