laze
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈeɪz/
US
- /lˈeɪz/
Description
- relax
- idle
- loaf around
- lounge
- take it easy
To laze means to spend time resting and doing very little, usually in a pleasant and easy way. Imagine a hot summer afternoon: you might laze by the pool, read a book, or just enjoy the sunshine. It is about slowing down on purpose and putting your duties aside for a while.
The word suggests a calm, carefree state, like a cat stretching in a patch of sunlight. You can laze around the house on a rainy day, or laze away an afternoon with no real plans. It does not necessarily mean sleeping, but it does mean not doing much. Think of it as the opposite of rushing: it is about enjoying rest and quiet time.
To laze is to spend time relaxing or idling in a leisurely manner, often without any particular purpose or activity. It implies a deliberate choice to slow down, unwind, and enjoy moments of peaceful inactivity. For example: "After a long week of work, she lazed in her hammock all weekend, reading novels," or "They lazed by the lake, watching the boats go by."
The word often evokes images of warm weather, comfortable surroundings, and a general sense of contentment. You might laze around on a Sunday morning, enjoying a late breakfast and avoiding chores. Or perhaps you might laze away a vacation, letting each day unfold without any strict schedule or obligations.
While the adjective "lazy" shares a root with the verb "laze," the latter doesn't necessarily carry the same negative stigma. Lazing can be a conscious decision to prioritize rest and rejuvenation—a welcome break from the demands of daily life. It's about embracing moments of stillness and finding joy in simply being.
So, if you find yourself wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and embrace a slower pace, remember that it's perfectly acceptable—and even beneficial—to laze!
Examples
- 1
Weekend morning
On Sundays, we like to laze in bed until late morning.
- 2
Animal behavior
The cat lazed in a patch of sunlight by the window.
- 3
At home
We spent the afternoon lazing around the house.
- 4
Beach holiday
Tourists lazed on the beach while the children played in the water.
- 5
Wasted time
He lazed away the whole weekend instead of starting his essay.
Pattern
laze away + time
spend time relaxing or doing very little
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lazeverb