Expertlatin
It comes straight from Latin negotium : business, employment, or sometimes “hassle”. But negotium itself has a very simple etymology: it is neg-otium, that is, it's not otium , — “not leisure”.
What is the meaning of the word negotium?
(figuratively) difficulty, pains, trouble, labor.
What is otium negotium?
The Romans had a concept called otium, which described a contemplative way of life in the countryside. Its opposite was negotium, which referred to negotiation, business, and the conditions of city life.
What is leisure in Latin?
Etymologically, the word leisure descends from the Latin word licere, meaning "to be permitted" or "to be free", via Old French leisir, and first appeared in the early 14th century.
