Definition

Adverb 1. In an unhurried manner; without haste or pressure: Doing something in a relaxed, comfortable way, taking as much time as needed. 2. At one's convenience; when it is suitable or convenient for oneself: Doing something when one has free time and is not busy.

Usage

The phrase "at leisure" describes the manner or timing of an action. It emphasizes a lack of rush, obligation, or fixed schedule. * It is commonly used to suggest that an activity can be done slowly and enjoyed, or that it can be done whenever one finds the time. * It often follows verbs like read, review, examine, browse, or discuss.

Examples

• Adverb (Manner):
  • We strolled through the gardens at leisure, enjoying the afternoon sun.
  • The artist worked at leisure on the portrait, paying attention to every detail.
• Adverb (Timing):
  • Please review the document at your leisure and send me your feedback.
  • You can return the books at your leisure; there's no strict deadline.

Advanced Usage

• "At one's leisure": This is a very common construction, where a possessive adjective (, , , , , ) is used. It personalizes the phrase to mean "when it is convenient for that specific person."
  • The materials are available online for you to study at your leisure.
• The phrase can imply a state of being free from work or other demands.
  • After retiring, he was finally at leisure to pursue his hobbies.

Variants and Related Words

• Leisurely (Adjective/Adverb): Done or acting in a relaxed, unhurried way. (e.g., , ).
• Leisure (Noun): Free time when one is not working or occupied. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Unhurriedly
• At one's convenience
• When convenient
• Without hurry

Related Phrases

• At your earliest convenience: A more formal phrase often used in business to request an action be done soon, but politely acknowledging the other person's schedule. (This implies more urgency than "at your leisure").
• In one's own time: Similar to "at one's leisure," meaning when one chooses to do something, often outside of formal requirements.

Adverb

1. in an unhurried way or at one's convenience
   • read the manual at your leisure
   • he traveled leisurely