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Where does the word "leisure" come from? It comes from Latin licere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "leisure" come from? It comes from Latin licere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient licere "to be permitted", the root of 'licence'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval leisir "free time", being permitted to do as one likes.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s leisure "free time", 'leisure centre' dates from the 1970s.