leisure
pronunciation
How to pronounce leisure in British English:
UK [ˈleʒə(r)]
How to pronounce leisure in American English:
US [ˈliːʒər]
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- Noun:
- time available for ease and relaxation
- freedom to choose a pastime or enjoyable activity
Word Origin
- leisure
- leisure: [14] The etymological idea underlying leisure is that of ‘having permission’, and hence of ‘having the freedom to do as one likes’. The word came via Anglo-Norman leisour from Old French leisir. This was a noun use of a verb that meant ‘be permitted’, and came from Latin licēre ‘be permitted’ (source of English illicit [17] and licence [14]).=> illicit, licence
- leisure (n.)
- early 14c., leisir, "opportunity to do something" (as in phrase at (one's) leisure), also "time at one's disposal," from Old French leisir (Modern French loisir) "capacity; permission; leisure, spare time; free will; idleness, inactivity," noun use of infinitive leisir "be permitted," from Latin licere "be permitted" (see licence). The -u- appeared 16c., probably on analogy of words like pleasure. Phrase leisured class attested by 1836.
Example
- 1. Those who sold in haste have repented at leisure .
- 2. And that may well understate the leisure gains .
- 3. Students do appear to prefer leisure and easier classes .
- 4. The idea of the ' leisure class ' has been dying for decades .
- 5. How do americans spend their leisure time ?