What does 'on sabatical' mean?

Question

I've heard teachers say that they were going to be 'on sabatical' and I'm wondering what it means. Thanks.

Answer 1

It means taking a break or leave of absence....here is something I found that better defines the meaning and origin:

Sabbatical
In modern use, a sabbatical is a period (usually a semester or a year) during which a teacher or professor has no teaching duties and may pursue research or other work. Originally, sabbaticals were not granted more often than once every seven years. The modern sense is originally American, dating to 1886. In more recent years, this usage has extended to other professions and industries and it is not unheard of for software developers to be granted a sabbatical.

But sabbatical has an older sense that provides the key to its etymology. It is an adjective relating to the Jewish Sabbath. The term sabbatical year (1599) refers to Mosaic law that declares that all slaves must be freed and debts forgiven every seven years. The educational sense focused on the seven year requirement, hence the term, although the imagery of being released from slavery was probably appealing as well.

The word is taken from the sabbatum, which in turn is from the Hebrew shabbath, denoting the seventh day of the week.

Answer 2

Sabatical

Answer 3

It is when they take a semester or two off from teaching at a university to go and work on their own research project of some kind--it is usually a paid leave of absence.

Answer 4

What Does Sabbatical Mean

Answer 5

It means they are taking a leave of absence, a break, a short vacation, etc In other words, they will be back, but they are leaving for a brief allotted time period.

Answer 6

they are taking a hiatus from their teaching duties to fulfill another obligation like research or some sort of job related travel. or perhaps a personal reason.

Answer 7

Bringing a period of rest.