Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sabbatical is an extended period of leave from one's regular work, especially granted to a university teacher, professor, or other professional for study, travel, or rest. It is traditionally taken every seventh year.
2. Adjective:
   • Sabbatical describes something related to such a leave of absence.
   • (Archaic) Sabbatical can also describe something related to the Sabbath, a day of religious observance and rest.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The professor is on a sabbatical to write her book.
  • He took a six-month sabbatical to travel around Asia.
  • After twenty years of service, she was eligible for a sabbatical.
• Adjective:
  • She is working on a sabbatical research project in marine biology.
  • (Archaic/Historical) The community observed sabbatical laws requiring the land to rest every seventh year.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on sabbatical": This is the most common phrase to indicate someone is currently taking their leave.
  • Dr. Jones is on sabbatical this semester and will return in the fall.
• "To take a sabbatical": This phrase describes the action of beginning the leave.
  • He decided to take a sabbatical to recharge and learn new skills.

Variants and Related Words

• Sabbatical leave (n): The full, formal term for the period of absence.
  • She was granted a year of sabbatical leave.
• Sabbatical year (n): Emphasizes the traditional one-year duration or, historically, the biblical year of rest for farmland.

Synonyms

• Leave of absence (n): A more general term for authorized time away from work.
• Furlough (n): A leave of absence, often mandatory and without pay (common in military or corporate contexts).
• Break (n): A less formal term for a pause from work.

Idioms and Phrases

• "A sabbatical from [something]": Used figuratively to mean a deliberate break from any regular activity.
  • After the intense election campaign, the politician took a sabbatical from public speaking.

Adjective

1. of or relating to sabbatical leave
   • sabbatical research project
2. of or relating to the Sabbath
   • Friday is a sabbatical day for Muslims

Noun

1. a leave usually taken every seventh year