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.
双语例句
1. The leisure facilities are there for the use of guests.
这些休闲设施是供客人使用的。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The Leisure Center is a long and low modern building.
休闲中心是一座狭长而低矮的现代建筑。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Reading books does not rate highly among Britons as a leisure activity.
读书并非英国人很喜欢的休闲活动。
来自柯林斯例句
4. He could read all the national papers at his leisure.
他可以悠然阅读所有的全国性报纸。
来自柯林斯例句
5. On the whole, people miss the opportunity to enjoy leisure.
