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Glite Dictionary
spare-time activity

spare-time activity

2.5
An activity done in free time for fun or rest
  • noun
  • /ˈspɛr taɪm ækˈtɪvɪti/
translation icon : actividad de ocio
  • Gardening can be a rewarding spare-time activity that allows individuals to connect with nature.

Examples

  • I was still thinking in terms of writing as a spare-time activity.

    Academic text (2010)

  • The Achievers had a greater variety of spare-time activities than the Creatives, but relatively fewer of these were creative ones.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Reading novels is a popular spare-time activity that many people enjoy for relaxation.

  • Many families engage in board games as a fun spare-time activity during weekends.

Synonyms

hobby
vsspare-time activity
297 1.0

An activity you do in free time for pleasure

is any free time activity that can be occasional rather than regular
recreation
vsspare-time activity
122 2.7

An activity you do for fun or to relax

is specifically a free time activity rather than general leisure uses
pastime
vsspare-time activity
59 2.0

A thing you do regularly for fun in your free time

is any free time activity and can be irregular or occasional
pursuit
vsspare-time activity
50 3.9

An activity you do for pleasure in your free time

is broader, covering any free time activity beyond just enjoyment
avocation
vsspare-time activity
5 7.9

A hobby you do for pleasure besides your main job

is any free time activity not necessarily linked to one's job role

How Time-Consuming

hobby
297 1.0
spare-time activity
2.5
pastime
59 2.0

Surface Forms

spare-time activity singular
spare-time activities plural

Morphology

spare-time + activity

The meaning is directly built from the constituents: 'spare' (extra) + 'time' and 'activity' (an action), so a learner who knows those words can infer 'an activity done in one's spare time.' This is a regular, compositional compound/phrase common across languages and follows standard noun-compounding patterns, so it will be immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Spare-time activity comes from the simple idea of having spare 'extra' time after work, like little moments left over when you can choose what to do. So it means an activity or 'hobby' you do in your 'free time' to relax or enjoy yourself.