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View synonyms for avocation

avocation

[ av-uh-key-shuhn ]

noun

  1. something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, especially for pleasure; hobby:

    Our doctor's avocation is painting.

  2. a person's regular occupation, calling, or vocation.
  3. Archaic. diversion or distraction.


avocation

/ ˌævəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

  1. formal.
    a minor occupation undertaken as a diversion
  2. not_standard.
    a person's regular job or vocation


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Other Words From

  • avo·cation·al adjective
  • avo·cation·al·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of avocation1

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin āvocātiōn- (stem of āvocātiō ) “a calling away”; a- 4, vocation

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Word History and Origins

Origin of avocation1

C17: from Latin āvocātiō a calling away, diversion from, from āvocāre to distract, from vocāre to call

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Example Sentences

He stammered, and read and wrote a lot of poetry (mostly in secret), an avocation he changed to photography for the novel.

I think it was more a matter of self-consciousness… I always saw writing about music as purely an avocation.

His former company controller, Gayer, had in the meantime discovered his true avocation.

He realized that, for the first time in his life, he had taken up a sound and serious avocation.

The incongruity of Finucane's avocation, and his manners and appearance, amused his new friend Pen.

Also, Jim discovered that Tuck was an old Yale man and that his avocation in life seemed to be tennis.

The salutary influence which good example propagates, we find stamped on every avocation in life.

He finally made a home at Teddington, in Middlesex, and devoted himself to the avocation of fruit-growing.

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