Etymology Map
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Leisure

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means free time

Where does the word "leisure" come from? It comes from Latin licere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
licere
Latin · ancient
"to be permitted"
the root of 'licence'
2
Stage 2 of 3
leisir
Old French · medieval
"free time"
being permitted to do as one likes
3
Stage 3 of 3
leisure
English · 1300s
"free time"
'leisure centre' dates from the 1970s
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Read the full story

Leisure’s story begins in Latin: licere meant “to be permitted.” The root of 'licence'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as leisir. Being permitted to do as one likes. It reached English by 1300s as leisure. 'leisure centre' dates from the 1970s. Today, leisure means free time.