Avocation
/ˌævəˈkeɪʃən/noun
A hobby or minor occupation, especially one done for pleasure rather than as a main job.
Did you know?Avocation entered English through Latin roots tied to a “calling,” but it once meant being diverted or summoned away from a main duty rather than a relaxing pastime.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
avocatio
“a calling away; diversion from duty”
Latin
Latin
avocare
“to call away, divert, summon off”
Latin
Latin
ab- + vocare
“away from + to call”
Old French
Old French
avocacion
“a diversion or recalling away”
16th–17th Century
English
avocation
“a distraction or diversion from one's main business”
Modern English
English
avocation
“a hobby or secondary occupation pursued for pleasure”
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