at leisure
1
3.4
- idiom
- We decided to explore the city at leisure since we had the whole day ahead of us.
- study at leisure
- work at leisure
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Watch on YouTubeHe tells us they alone who do this are at leisure.
- He tells us they alone who do this are at leisure.
- We, we prefer to spend more time at leisure, but we don't.
Examples
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That'll give you time, Reverend... to finish your business at leisure.
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Why, simply a computer programmer who amassed a huge fortune writing video games for kids, and who, at some point in his career, decided to retire and work at leisure, in perhaps useless projects.
Fiction book (1996) -
With Luke away, I am able to write at leisure, but what is there to tell?
Fiction book (1997) -
"I suggest that we at least go out into the open, where we can talk at leisure.
Fiction book (1992) -
I am late to the party, and I look forward to reading all the comments at leisure.
Blog text (12) -
Read at leisure and enjoy.
Fiction book (1999) -
I wish I had a copy on hand to refer back to at leisure.
Blog text (27) -
Are you at leisure, Mr. Shaw, or do you follow a profession?
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Peruse at leisure.
Blog text (3) -
All that remained were those garments which required that the name-tapes be hand-sewn...rugger stockings, an overcoat, and a grey polo-necked pullover, but these could be done at leisure, in the evening, and by the fireside.
Fiction book (1990)
Synonyms
30
3.4
In a relaxed way without hurrying
1
6.8
At a time you choose without being hurried by others
1
2.5
In a calm, peaceful way that helps you rest
Antonyms
How Leisurely
Surface Forms
Morphology
at + leisure
The sense 'without hurry; in one’s free time' is directly derivable from combining the preposition 'at' (locating time/condition) with 'leisure' (free time), yielding 'in/at free time' or 'without hurry'. This is a compositional, cross-linguistically common pattern using frequent words, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will likely infer the meaning.
Etymology
At leisure comes from the idea of being at one's leisure, like a person sitting quietly with time to spare and no rush. That's why it now means 'without hurry' or 'when it is convenient'.