Hobby vs. Pastime — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
Hobby and pastime are terms often used interchangeably to describe leisure activities, but they have nuances that distinguish them in terms of engagement and structure.
Difference Between Hobby and Pastime
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hobby is an activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure and relaxation. Hobbies often involve a higher degree of commitment, skill development, and investment in terms of time and resources. A pastime, on the other hand, is any leisure activity that one engages in for amusement and to pass the time. Pastimes can be as simple as watching TV, taking a casual walk, or reading. They do not necessarily require the same level of commitment or skill development as hobbies.
Hobbies can become areas of significant personal development and may even reach a level of expertise. Pastimes provide a more casual form of relaxation and entertainment, often with less structure and investment than hobbies.
While both hobbies and pastimes are important for personal relaxation and enjoyment, hobbies tend to be more structured and potentially enriching in terms of skill and personal achievement. Pastimes, conversely, are more about immediate enjoyment and relaxation without the need for ongoing commitment or progression.
Hobbies are engaged in for pleasure with a higher degree of commitment and skill development, while pastimes are leisure activities for relaxation without significant investment in terms of time and resources.
Comparison Chart
Commitment
Often requires a higher level of commitment
Less commitment required
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Skill Development
Involves learning and developing specific skills
May not involve skill development
Investment
Can require significant investment in time and resources
Generally requires minimal investment
Purpose
For pleasure, relaxation, and personal development
Primarily for amusement and to pass the time
Examples
Painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument
Watching TV, casual walking, reading
Compare with Definitions
Hobby
An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.
Her hobby of bird watching led her to travel to exotic locations.
Pastime
An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby.
Playing cards was a favorite pastime among the soldiers.
Hobby
Can involve a significant investment in terms of time and resources.
Collecting vintage cars became more than a hobby; it was a substantial investment.
Pastime
Typically easy to engage in without much preparation.
Going for a stroll in the park is a pleasant pastime for many.
Hobby
Requires some level of commitment and skill.
He dedicated weekends to his hobby of woodworking, honing his craft over the years.
Pastime
Can be solitary or social but is generally undertaken for relaxation.
Gathering with friends for a coffee and chat is a cherished pastime.
Hobby
Provides a sense of achievement and personal development.
Learning to play the guitar as a hobby brought him immense satisfaction.
Pastime
Less structured and does not necessarily require progression or skill development.
Binge-watching TV series has become a common pastime.
Hobby
Often shared with others in clubs or communities.
She joined a quilting club to share her hobby with like-minded enthusiasts.
Pastime
Provides immediate enjoyment without the need for ongoing commitment.
Listening to music is a pastime that helps him unwind after work.
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.
Pastime
An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby
His favourite pastimes were shooting and golf
Hobby
An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure
Her hobbies are reading and gardening
Pastime
An activity that occupies one's spare time pleasantly
Sailing is her favorite pastime.
Hobby
A small horse or pony.
Pastime
Something which amuses, and serves to make time pass agreeably.
Chatting is a pleasant pastime.
Hobby
A migratory Old World falcon with long, narrow wings, catching dragonflies and birds on the wing.
Pastime
To sport; to amuse oneself
Hobby
An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and engaged in primarily for pleasure.
Pastime
That which amuses, and serves to make time pass agreeably; sport; amusement; diversion; as, that great American pastime, baseball.
Hobby
Any of several small falcons of the genus Falco, formerly used for catching small birds or game.
Pastime
To sport; to amuse one's self.
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
Pastime
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
(horses) An extinct breed of horse native to the British Isles, also known as the Irish Hobby
Hobby
Any of four species of small falcons in the genus Falco, especially Falco subbuteo.
Hobby
A small, strong-winged European falcon (Falco subbuteo), formerly trained for hawking.
Hobby
A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag.
Hobby
A stick, often with the head or figure of a horse, on which boys make believe to ride.
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
Common Curiosities
Can a hobby turn into a profession?
Yes, it's possible for a hobby to turn into a profession if one becomes proficient enough to generate income from it, though this is not always the goal.
Are hobbies more beneficial than pastimes?
Both can be beneficial; hobbies can offer skill development and a sense of achievement, while pastimes provide relaxation and immediate enjoyment.
Do hobbies need to be expensive?
No, many hobbies can be low-cost or even free. The expense depends on the nature of the hobby and the level of investment one wishes to make.
Is watching sports a hobby or a pastime?
Watching sports can be considered a pastime for casual viewers and a hobby for those who actively follow and engage with the sport through fan clubs, memorabilia collection, etc.
Why is having a hobby important?
Hobbies can improve mental and sometimes physical well-being, offer a sense of accomplishment, and provide a break from the stresses of daily life.
How much time should one dedicate to a hobby?
The time dedicated to a hobby varies based on individual interest, commitment, and lifestyle. There's no set rule; it should be enjoyable and not feel like an obligation.
Can a pastime become a hobby?
Yes, a casual pastime can evolve into a hobby if one develops a deeper interest and starts investing more time and resources into it.
Is reading a book a hobby or a pastime?
Reading can be both, depending on the level of engagement. Casual reading is a pastime, while dedicated reading, such as studying literature or collecting books, can be a hobby.
How do hobbies and pastimes impact mental health?
Engaging in hobbies and pastimes can positively impact mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and providing a sense of fulfillment.
Do pastimes have any real value?
Yes, pastimes have value in providing relaxation, entertainment, and a mental break, contributing to overall well-being.
Can hobbies and pastimes help in building community?
Yes, many hobbies and pastimes offer opportunities for socializing and building communities with shared interests, leading to meaningful connections and support networks.
How do I choose a new hobby?
Explore your interests, consider what you enjoy doing in your free time, and try out new activities to see what captivates you.
Are digital activities like gaming considered hobbies?
Yes, digital activities like gaming can be considered hobbies when they involve a significant level of engagement, skill development, and community interaction.
Can one have too many hobbies?
While it's great to have diverse interests, having too many hobbies can become overwhelming and detract from the enjoyment and relaxation they are meant to provide.
How does one find time for hobbies?
Prioritizing and managing your schedule can help make room for hobbies. It may involve setting aside specific times or making use of idle moments.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
