Leeway: meaning, definitions and examples

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leeway

[ ˈliˌweɪ ]

^{Context #1}

freedom

The amount of freedom to move or act that is available.

Synonyms

flexibility, latitude, margin

Examples of usage

The manager allowed her employees some leeway in how they completed their tasks.
You have some leeway in choosing your own working hours.

^{Context #2}

nautical

The sideways drift of a ship or an aircraft to leeward of the desired course.

Synonyms

deviation, drift

Examples of usage

The strong winds caused the ship to have significant leeway.
The pilot adjusted for leeway when navigating the storm.

Translations

Translations of the word "leeway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 margem de manobra

🇮🇳 गुंजाइश

🇩🇪 Spielraum

🇮🇩 kelonggaran

🇺🇦 запас

🇵🇱 luz

🇯🇵 余裕 (yoyū)

🇫🇷 marge de manœuvre

🇪🇸 margen de maniobra

🇹🇷 hareket serbestliği

🇰🇷 여유 (yeoyu)

🇸🇦 هامش المناورة

🇨🇿 volnost

🇸🇰 voľnosť

🇨🇳 回旋余地 (huíxuán yúdì)

🇸🇮 manevrski prostor

🇮🇸 svigrúm

🇰🇿 кеңдік

🇬🇪 მანევრირების სივრცე

🇦🇿 manevr sahəsi

🇲🇽 margen de maniobra

Word origin

The word 'leeway' originated in the nautical realm, where it referred to the sideways drift of a ship or an aircraft. Over time, its usage expanded to include the more general concept of freedom or flexibility. The term derives from the Middle English 'lywey', which in turn comes from the Old Norse 'lǫgvegr', meaning 'free way'.