leisurely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "leisurely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word to describe a process or activity that is undertaken in a relaxed and unhurried manner. For example: "We strolled leisurely through the park, stopping to admire the blooming flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A leisurely stroll along the river Liffey in the unseasonably warm January air between two of Dublin's most famous landmarks will provide you with all the evidence you need of an economy still in the doldrums of recession.

The Guardian

"I put on some John Lee Hooker, shave, then go round to the café for a leisurely breakfast with two football pages.

The Guardian - Film

They were lovingly spread across a leisurely summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Both sides reduced to 10 men... Völler running off to the dressing room, Rijkaard taking a more leisurely pace.

The Guardian - Sport

For the more leisurely inclined, Antigua remains a place where there is no pressure on anyone to do anything more strenuous than count the sandpipers scampering along your balcony or feel the palm trees filter the heat of an early-evening breeze.

The Guardian - Travel

… I said YES!!!!" But there was to be no leisurely new year lie-in for the newly engaged couple.

The Guardian - Sport

Nothing standard, nothing too studied, and leisurely breakfasts promising delicious surprises.

The Guardian - Travel

The ball made a sickly, leisurely, loop over the bewildered goalkeeper Pagliuca before flopping into the net.

The Guardian - Sport

Moreover, this is an indulgence best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In May, he and his family appeared in an election-themed television show on a private Turkish channel in which Demirtas prepared a leisurely Turkish breakfast from scratch at his home in Diyarbakir.

The Guardian

Australia set out to make it, if not tough, then tedious, setting fields back so he was able to take a leisurely single and then bringing them in again to keep him off strike, all in the knowledge that the later Cook's declaration,, almost certainly when he had reached 200, the better for them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leisurely" to describe activities or movements that are done in a relaxed and unhurried manner. For example, "a leisurely breakfast" or "a leisurely walk."

Common error

Avoid using "leisurely" to describe situations that require speed or urgency. The word implies a lack of haste, so it would be inappropriate to say, "He made a leisurely escape" if he was actually fleeing quickly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "leisurely" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions, activities, or states characterized by relaxation and a lack of urgency. Ludwig confirms that this word is correct and usable in written English, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "leisurely" functions primarily as an adjective, characterizing actions or states marked by relaxation and a lack of urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across diverse contexts. Its communicative purpose is to evoke a sense of ease and unhurriedness. While versatile, "leisurely" should be avoided in situations demanding speed or urgency. Synonyms include "relaxed", "unhurried", and "easygoing", each offering subtle variations in meaning. Overall, "leisurely" is a valuable word in the English language, providing a concise way to describe activities and atmospheres characterized by tranquility and a lack of pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unhurried

Focuses on the absence of haste or pressure.

relaxed

Emphasizes a state of calmness and ease.

easygoing

Highlights a carefree and tolerant attitude.

slow-paced

Directly indicates a reduced speed or tempo.

laid-back

Implies a casual and informal approach.

tranquil

Suggests peacefulness and serenity.

at a relaxed pace

More descriptive, emphasizing the pace rather than the action itself.

taking one's time

Highlights the act of not rushing.

unrushed

Similar to unhurried, but can also refer to a lack of external pressure.

without haste

Emphasizes the absence of hurry or speed.

FAQs

How can I use "leisurely" in a sentence?

You can use "leisurely" to describe something done in a relaxed and unhurried way. For example, "They enjoyed a "leisurely stroll" through the park", or "He had a "leisurely breakfast" before starting work".

What's the difference between "leisurely" and "slow"?

"Leisurely" implies a relaxed and unhurried pace, often with the implication of enjoyment or lack of pressure. "Slow" simply describes a lack of speed, without necessarily implying relaxation or enjoyment. A "slow" pace might be due to difficulty, while a "leisurely pace" is usually a choice.

Are there any synonyms for "leisurely"?

Yes, some synonyms for "leisurely" include "relaxed", "unhurried", "easygoing", and "slow-paced". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "leisurely" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "leisurely" is appropriate for formal writing when describing something done without haste or pressure. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece. In some cases, a more precise synonym might be preferable.