leeway
|lee-way|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈliˌweɪ/
🇬🇧
/ˈliːweɪ/
freedom within limits
Etymology
Etymology Information
'leeway' originates from the nautical term 'lee,' referring to the side sheltered from the wind, combined with 'way,' meaning 'path or course.'
Historical Evolution
'leeway' evolved from the nautical context to a broader metaphorical use, indicating freedom or margin.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the sideways drift of a ship,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'freedom to act within limits.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the amount of freedom to move or act within certain limits.
The project manager gave the team some leeway to complete the task.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35