What is hobby? Pronunciation and usage in English

hobby means . Learn how to pronounce and use hobby through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hobby

hobbynoun

/ˈhɒbi/
Definition & pronunciation of hobby

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hobby." It’s a tricky one because it's not always pronounced as you might expect based on its spelling!

Here's the breakdown:

  • Most Common Pronunciation (American English): /hɒbi/ (rhymes with "obby")

    • "h" is pronounced as a normal "h" sound.
    • "ob" is pronounced like the word "obey." It’s a short "o" sound.
    • "by" is pronounced like the letter "b."

  • British English Pronunciation: /həˈbi/ (rhymes with "berry")

    • "h" is pronounced as a normal "h" sound.
    • "ə" (the first syllable) is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound – almost like you're swallowing the sound slightly.
    • "ˈbi" (the second syllable) is pronounced like the word "bee." The stress is on this syllable.

Here’s a quick way to remember:

Think of "obby" – that’s the sound you’re aiming for in American English.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google: Just type "how to pronounce hobby" into Google and it will often have audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/hobby/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for “how to pronounce hobby” to find videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Which English dialect are you interested in? (American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word hobby in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hobby" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word!

1. Basic Definition:

  • A hobby is a pastime or activity done regularly for pleasure, not for money. It's something you enjoy doing in your free time.

2. Common Ways to Use "Hobby":

  • Describing what you do for fun:

    • "My hobby is painting."
    • "She's really into gardening; it’s her hobby."
    • “Reading is my favorite hobby.”

  • Talking about a collection:

    • "Collecting stamps is a popular hobby."
    • "He has a serious hobby of restoring vintage cars." (This suggests a more dedicated level of involvement.)

  • Describing someone’s interests:

    • "He’s a keen photographer – photography is his hobby." (“Keen” indicates enthusiasm)
    • "She’s got a lot of hobbies, including knitting, hiking, and cooking."

  • Giving examples of hobbies:

    • "There are all sorts of hobbies you can try, like sports, crafts, music, or learning a new language."

  • Using it as a noun: (The word itself)

    • "I need to find a new hobby."

3. Synonyms (Words that have a similar meaning):

  • Pastime
  • Interest
  • Recreation
  • Pursuit
  • Activity

4. Phrases with "Hobby":

  • “Have a hobby”: (meaning “have something to do in your free time”) - “Do you have a hobby?”
  • "Take up a hobby": (meaning "start a hobby") – "I’m thinking of taking up pottery."
  • "Spend time on your hobby": (meaning "do your hobby") - “I spent the whole weekend working on my woodworking hobby.”

5. Levels of Hobby Engagement:

  • Casual Hobby: Something you do occasionally, without a lot of dedication.
  • Serious Hobby: Something you invest a lot of time, effort, and often money into. You might even become knowledgeable or skilled in it.

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • "As a child, my hobby was building Lego castles." (Simple description)
  • "She’s developed a hobby of bird watching." (Describing a new interest)
  • “He’s a very dedicated stamp collector; it's a true hobby for him." (Highlighting dedication)
  • “My hobby is learning to play the guitar.” (Expressing a current activity)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to use "hobby" in? (e.g., writing a sentence, describing your own interests, etc.)

Synonyms for the word hobby

Practice with vocabulary hobby

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After work, my favorite ____ is playing the piano to unwind.
  2. Her ____ for marine biology led her to pursue advanced research in oceanography.
  3. Many people take up a new ____ to develop new skills or meet like-minded individuals.
  4. Successfully organizing the annual charity gala requires a significant ____ from all committee members.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which term refers to an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for enjoyment? A) Occupation B) Chore C) Hobby D) Duty

  2. Select the words that can describe a voluntary activity pursued for personal satisfaction and relaxation. A) Vocation B) Pastime C) Hobby D) Obligation

  3. What word best describes a strong enthusiasm or a compelling desire for something, often a field of study or work? A) Indifference B) Apathy C) Passion D) Diversion

  4. Many successful entrepreneurs emphasize the importance of having a ____ outside of work to maintain work-life balance. A) chore B) obligation C) hobby D) errand

  5. Which of these terms typically refers to one's principal employment or profession? A) Distraction B) Avocation C) Vocation D) Recreation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: After a demanding week, painting helps her unwind and express her creativity. Rewrite: (Use "hobby")

  2. Original: During his retirement, he developed a keen interest in historical reenactment, spending many hours on it. Rewrite: (Use "hobby" or related word forms)

  3. Original: His main employment involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects. Rewrite: (Do NOT use "hobby")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hobby
  2. passion
  3. hobby
  4. commitment

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Hobby
  2. B) Pastime, C) Hobby
  3. C) Passion
  4. C) Hobby
  5. C) Vocation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Painting is a creative hobby she enjoys to unwind after a demanding week.
  2. Historical reenactment became his main avocation during retirement.
  3. His main vocation involves managing large-scale infrastructure projects.

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