free-time
|free-time|
/ˈfriːtaɪm/
(free time)
time not working (leisure)
Etymology
'free-time' is a compound formed from the adjective 'free' and the noun 'time'. 'free' originates from Old English 'frēo' meaning 'not in bondage, exempt' and 'time' originates from Old English 'tīma' meaning 'period' or 'season'.
'free' comes from Old English 'frēo' and 'time' from Old English 'tīma'; the compound concept of 'free time' (leisure as opposed to work) became more common in Modern English usage during and after the Industrial Revolution (19th century) as distinctions between paid work and leisure grew.
Originally, 'free' primarily meant 'not bound/obliged' and 'time' meant 'a period'; combined, the phrase evolved to mean specifically 'time not spent on work or obligations' (leisure).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
time when one is not working and can rest, pursue hobbies, or relax; leisure.
I usually read in my free-time.
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Adjective 1
describing activities or things done during one's free time (often used attributively, e.g., free-time activities).
She enjoys several free-time activities like hiking and painting.
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Last updated: 2025/09/10 12:11