Leeway

Pronunciation: /ˈliˌweɪ/

Definitions of leeway

noun the amount of freedom to move or act that is available

Example Sentences

A1 I need some leeway in my schedule to accommodate unexpected events.

A2 The teacher gave us leeway in choosing our project topics.

B1 There is usually some leeway in the deadline for submitting assignments.

B2 The manager allows employees some leeway in how they complete their tasks.

C1 The negotiators were given leeway to make decisions on behalf of their team.

C2 The CEO has the leeway to make major strategic decisions for the company.

Examples of leeway in a Sentence

formal The project deadline allows for some leeway in case of unexpected delays.

informal You have some leeway to finish the assignment by the end of the week.

slang I'll give you some leeway on this one, just make sure it's done by tomorrow.

figurative She gave him leeway to express his creativity in the project design.

Grammatical Forms of leeway

• plural: leeways
• comparative: more leeway
• superlative: most leeway
• present tense: leeway
• future tense: will have leeway
• perfect tense: has had leeway
• continuous tense: is having leeway
• singular: leeway
• positive degree: leeway
• infinitive: to have leeway
• gerund: having leeway
• participle: having had leeway

Origin and Evolution of leeway

First Known Use: 1650 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'leeway' originated from the nautical term 'lee', which refers to the side of a ship that is sheltered from the wind. 'Leeway' was originally used to describe the drift or sideways movement of a ship due to the wind.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'leeway' has come to be used more broadly to refer to flexibility or margin for error in various contexts, not just in sailing or navigation.