Day off Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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day off

[deɪ ɒf ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

time away from work

A day off is a period of time when you are not required to work, typically because it is a weekend or public holiday. It is a break from the usual routine of work and allows you to relax and recharge.

Synonyms

day of leisure, day of rest, time off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
day off	Often used in work-related contexts to describe a day when an employee does not have to work, typically for personal or health reasons. I need a day off to take care of some personal errands. She took a day off because she was feeling unwell.
day of rest	Primarily refers to a day dedicated to rest and recuperation, often with an emphasis on physical recovery. After a hard week, I needed a day of rest. Sunday is her day of rest where she does absolutely nothing.
day of leisure	Used to describe a day spent relaxing and engaging in enjoyable activities, often by choice and not necessarily related to work absence. On my day of leisure, I like to read books and go for long walks. He planned a day of leisure at the beach.
time off	A more general term for any period away from work, which may include days off, vacations, or personal leave. I'm taking some time off next month for a vacation. He requested time off to deal with a family matter.

Examples of usage

I'm looking forward to my day off on Friday.
She decided to take a day off to spend time with her family.
We are entitled to two days off per week.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

absence from school

In the context of education, a day off refers to a student's absence from school for various reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or personal appointments. It is important for students to catch up on missed work when they return.

Synonyms

absence, school break, skip day.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
day off	Used when referring to a planned break from work or regular duties, typically in a professional setting. I need a day off to attend my sister's wedding. He took a day off to rest and recharge his batteries.
absence	This term is generally used to refer to the state of not being present at a place where one is expected or required to be. It can refer to both work and school settings. Her absence from the meeting was noticed by everyone. Due to his absence, the project was delayed.
skip day	An informal term often used by students to refer to a day when they intentionally do not attend school. This has a somewhat negative connotation as it implies truancy. We planned a skip day to go to the beach. Senior students often have a skip day towards the end of the school year.
school break	Specifically refers to scheduled periods when school is not in session, such as holidays or summer vacation. The students are looking forward to the school break next month. During school break, many families take vacations.

Examples of usage

The student had a day off due to a fever.
She took a day off to attend her sister's graduation.
The principal granted him a day off for a doctor's appointment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Many cultures have specific days off in the year, such as holidays or festivals, for relaxation and celebration.
In some countries, like Spain, people often take siestas, where they rest during the day, making time off part of the culture.

Psychology

Taking time off can help improve mental well-being by reducing stress and increasing productivity when returning to work.
Employees who take regular days off are often happier and more motivated in their jobs, leading to better performance.

Workplace Policies

In many companies, days off are part of employee benefits, promoting work-life balance and attracting talent.
Some businesses offer unlimited vacation days, allowing employees to take time off as needed while meeting work goals.

Historical Origins

The concept of a day off has evolved since the Industrial Revolution, when labor movements fought for improved working conditions and rest periods.
In ancient times, festivals and religious observances provided days off where people could celebrate and worship.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict 'day off' adventures where characters experience life outside their daily routines, such as in films like 'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.'
Music has many songs celebrating days off or vacation vibes, expressing the joy of taking a break from responsibilities.

Origin of 'day off'

The term 'day off' originated in the early 19th century, stemming from the concept of leisure time away from work or school. It emphasizes the importance of taking breaks for rest and relaxation. Over the years, the phrase has become widely used in various contexts to denote a day of rest or absence from work or school.