interest

Question

Hi,Are interst and hobby have the same meaning and interchangeable ?If not, how can we distinguish them?Her main interests are music and tennis. (1)=Her main hobby are music and tennis. (2)Q

Philip · Accepted Answer

Tung QuocHi,

Are interst and hobby have the same meaning and interchangeable ?

If not, how can we distinguish them?

Her main interests are music and tennis. (1)=Her main hobby are music and tennis. (2)

Q

In the U.S., I think "hobby" is used more as something more casual. Collecting stamps, writing to famous people, flower arranging, etc. I know this is vague, but I hope it helps.

CalifJim · Answer

Do interest and hobby have the same meaning, and are they interchangeable?

No. These are completely different. For example, Einstein had a great interest in physics, but physics was not his hobby!

A hobby is normally a rather trivial activity that one does to pass the time. One could even catch flies in a glass jar and call it one's hobby! One's interests are usually much more wide-ranging and are often characterized by a more intellectual involvement in the subject.

I would not consider music and tennis to be hobbies. I would call them interests or activities.
I don't even remember the last time I actually used hobby in a sentence in ordinary conversation.

CJ

Philip · Answer

CalifJimDo interest and hobby have the same meaning, and are they interchangeable?

No. These are completely different. For example, Einstein had a great interest in physics, but physics was not his hobby!

A hobby is normally a rather trivial activity that one does to pass the time. One could even catch flies in a glass jar and call it one's hobby! One's interests are usually much more wide-ranging and are often characterized by a more intellectual involvement in the subject.

I would not consider music and tennis to be hobbies. I would call them interests or activities.
I don't even remember the last time I actually used hobby in a sentence in ordinary conversation.

CJ

That's the word I was trying to come up with in my answer. Thanks, Jim.

Tung Quoc · Answer

Thanks Philip and CJ.

Hi Philip, in your sentence (I think "hobby" is used more as something more casual), do casual mean informal?If not, what is the exact meaning of casual?

Quoc

CalifJim · Answer

Quoc,
Use the on-line dictionaries! Try m-w.com.

Jim

CASUAL

3 a (1) : feeling or showing little concern : NONCHALANT<a casual approach to cooking> (2) : lacking a high degree of interest or devotion <casual sports fans> <casual readers> (3) : done without serious intent or commitment <casual ***> b (1) : INFORMAL, NATURAL<a casual conversation> (2) : designed for informal use <casual clothing>

CJ

Tung Quoc · Answer

Thanks,

I understand now the meaning of casual in your sentence is:lacking a high degree of interest or devotion.

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