Know Your English (Nov 2001)-17

Know your English

What is the difference between``leave''and``holiday"?

Although the words ``leave'' and ``holiday'' can and are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. A ``leave'' is something that you take on your own; it is something that you apply for and when it is granted you are allowed to be away from work for some time. Someone usually authorises your leave. And when you take ``leave'' it doesn't necessarily mean that you are going to be sitting at home enjoying yourself. You could be working. For example, we have ``duty leave", ``study leave", and ``leave of absence". In these cases, the person may not be coming to office, but he will be doing his work elsewhere.

The word ``holiday'' comes from ``holy day"; originally, it was a day of rest from work for everyone. Nowadays, there's nothing holy about a holiday. If you say that tomorrow is a holiday, what you are saying is that everyone, not just you, is getting the day off. Unlike ``leave'' one needn't apply for ``holiday". We have national holidays, state government holidays, and what not. The word ``holiday'' usually suggests that there is no work involved. It is going to be a day or a period of time when you are going to enjoy yourself, usually away from home.


Source:

The Hindu daily, Tuesday, November 20, 2001