avocation

== English == === Etymology === From Latin āvocātiō (“a distraction”), from āvocō (“to call off, distract”). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /avə(ʊ)ˈkeɪʃən/ (US) IPA(key): /ævoʊˈkeɪʃən/, /ævəˈkeɪʃən/ Hyphenation: av‧o‧ca‧tion === Noun === avocation (countable and uncountable, plural avocations) (obsolete) A calling away; a diversion. A hobby or recreational or leisure pursuit. 18 April, 1986, Ronald Reagan, Proclamation 5462 Gardening is a wholesome avocation that encourages appreciation for nature and concern for the preservation and enhancement of our environment. That which calls one away from one's regular employment or vocation. Pursuits; duties; affairs which occupy one's time; usual employment; vocation. November 1, 1711, William King, Letter to Jonathan Swift I have several things on the anvil, and near finished, that perhaps might be useful, if published: but the continual avocation by business, the impositions on me by impertinent visits, and the uneasiness of writing, which grows more intolerable to me every day, I doubt, will prevent my going any farther. The calling of a case from an inferior to a superior court. ==== Synonyms ==== (hobby): See also Thesaurus:hobby ==== Related terms ==== avocational avocationally vocation ==== Translations ==== === See also === volunteerism