Leisure is time spent in non-compulsory activities, time spent away from cares and toils. Because leisure time is free from compulsory activities such as employment, running a business, household chores, education, day-to-day stress, eating, and sleeping it is often referred to as "free time". The distinction between leisure and compulsory activities is not strict, as compulsory activities may be done for pleasure as well as for long-term utilityGoodin, Robert E.; Rice, James Mahmud; Bittman, Michael; & Saunders, Peter. (2005). "The time-pressure illusion: Discretionary time vs. free time". Social Indicators Research73 (1), 43–70. (PDF file).
Etymology
Etymologically, the word leisure descends from the Latin word licere, meaning "to be permitted" or "to be free", via Old French leisir, and first appeared in the early 14th century. The 'u' first appeared in the early 16th century, probably by analogy with words such as pleasure*.
A simple definition of leisure is "time spent out of work and essential domestic activity".
History of the concept of leisure
The notions of leisure and leisure time are thought to have emerged in the late nineteenth century with the rise of mechanized industry. Machines made work more efficient, and the typical worker's week was cut by over twenty hours. In turn, workers increasingly engaged in non-compulsory diversions such as sporting events or theater.
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