Leisurely

/ˈlɛʒərli/

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonBusiness
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Characterized by, or done in a relaxed and unhurried way.

/ˈlɛʒərli/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Business

Done or acting at a relaxed or unhurried pace.

We took a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're having a super chill day, taking your time with everything. That's what 'leisurely' means! For example: 'We had a leisurely brunch on the patio, enjoying the sunshine and good company.'

👶 For kids: When you do something slowly and without rushing, like eating your ice cream cone or playing in the park.

More Examples

2

She enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on Sunday morning.

3

The train moved at a leisurely pace through the countryside.

4

The old man spent his retirement years in a leisurely fashion.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"They enjoyed a leisurely walk in the park."

Travel

"The cruise allowed for a leisurely exploration of the islands."

2

In a slow and relaxed manner.

/ˈlɛʒərli/

adverbpositiveBeginner
Literature

In a relaxed and unhurried way.

We strolled leisurely through the town.

💡 Simply: It means doing something slowly, without any rush. For example, 'I leisurely read a book on the beach.'

👶 For kids: Doing something slow and calm like when you watch your favorite cartoon slowly.

More Examples

2

She ate her lunch leisurely.

3

They wandered leisurely around the shops.

4

He took his time, enjoying the view leisurely.

How It's Used

Travel

"They strolled leisurely along the beach."

Activities

"He ate his dinner leisurely."

Tip:Picture a person casually lounging and moving slowly - leisurely

Synonyms & Antonyms

From "leisure" (Old French loisir, from Latin licere, "to be permitted") + "-ly" (adverbial suffix). The word evolved to describe an action done at a relaxed pace.

The word has been used since the 16th century and initially referred to things done in the time of leisure. The current usage is mainly about the manner in which something is done rather than just the time available for the activity.

Memory tip

Think of a lazy lizard, moving at a leisurely pace in the sun.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"permissibility, permission, freedom"

leisurely paceleisurely walkleisurely strollleisurely breakfastleisurely manner

Common misspellings

leisurelyly

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written