sabbatical leave — an extended period of leave from work, typically granted to university teachers or other professionals for study or travel
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an extended period of leave from work, typically granted to university teachers or other professionals for study or travel
Pronunciation (IPA): /səˈbætɪkəl liːv/
Example Sentences
- My boss went on sabbatical leave and came back speaking fluent Italian and 10 kilos heavier from all the pasta.
- The company offers sabbatical leave after seven years of service.
- During his sabbatical leave, he accidentally became a YouTube cooking star with 2 million subscribers.
sabbatical leave
NOUN[/səˈbætɪkəl liːv/]
an extended period of leave from work, typically granted to university teachers or other professionals for study or travel

a middle-aged professor wearing casual clothes instead of formal attire stands beside packed suitcases and travel gear. She holds a research journal while pointing to world maps on the wall showing different countries she plans to visit. Her university colleagues shake hands with her in a farewell gesture as she prepares to leave. The packed office shows her transition from daily teaching duties to a period of study and exploration. Her family members smile supportively as they help carry luggage toward the door. The professor's relaxed expression contrasts with the busy academic materials still visible on her desk. an extended period of leave from work granted for study or travel

Sabbatical leave brings the choice: stay ethical or explore hypothetical?
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term derives from Hebrew 'sabbath' (rest day), rooted in the Jewish tradition of the sabbatical year—a seventh-year period when land was left fallow. This ancient practice of cyclical rest was adapted in academic contexts to denote extended leave for scholarly pursuits and research.
Breakdown
sabbath- (Hebrew shabbat, meaning rest or cessation) + -ical (adjective-forming suffix) + leave (time away from work). The construction parallels the biblical seven-year cycle of rest.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss went on sabbatical leave and came back speaking fluent Italian and 10 kilos heavier from all the pasta.”
“The company offers sabbatical leave after seven years of service.”
“During his sabbatical leave, he accidentally became a YouTube cooking star with 2 million subscribers.”
“She plans to use her sabbatical leave for archaeological research in Egypt.”
📚Related Words
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