English Reference
adjective · adverb

leisurely

adj. · adv.
US /ˈɫizɝɫi/ UK /lˈɛʒəli/ leisure·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.relaxed and slow, usually because you have plenty of time.

    adj.characterized by leisure; taking plenty of time without rushing.

    Simple

    We took a leisurely walk through the park after our lunch.

    In context

    The retired couple enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on the terrace, watching the morning fog lift from the valley below.

    unhurriedrelaxedeasy
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adv.doing something in a slow, relaxed way without rushing.

    adv.in a leisurely manner; acting without haste.

    Simple

    They strolled leisurely along the beach as the sun began to set.

    In context

    The tourists wandered leisurely through the museum, stopping to examine every artifact in the ancient history wing.

    Usage

    This word functions as both an adjective and an adverb without changing its form.

    Pitfall
    He walked leisurelily down the street. He walked leisurely down the street.

    Although it ends in -ly, 'leisurely' is already an adverb. Do not add another -ly ending.

    slowlyunhurriedly

Etymology 1

From leisure + -ly.

Etymology 2

From earlier leisurelily, by haplology, equivalent to leisurely + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated