EASE


Meaning of EASE in English

/ iːz; NAmE / noun , verb

■ noun [ U ]

1.

lack of difficulty :

He passed the exam with ease .

The ease with which she learns languages is astonishing.

This computer is popular for its good design and ease of use .

All important points are numbered for ease of reference (= so that you can find them easily) .

2.

the state of feeling relaxed or comfortable without worries, problems or pain :

In his retirement, he lived a life of ease.

IDIOMS

- (stand) at ease

- at (your) ease

- put sb at (their) ease

—more at ill adjective , mind noun

■ verb

1.

to become or to make sth less unpleasant, painful, severe, etc.

SYN alleviate :

[ vn ]

This should help ease the pain.

The plan should ease traffic congestion in the town.

It would ease my mind (= make me less worried) to know that she was settled.

[ v ]

The pain immediately eased.

2.

[+ adv. / prep. ] to move, or to move sb/sth, slowly and carefully :

[ v ]

He eased slowly forwards.

[ vn ]

She eased herself into a chair.

He eased off his shoes.

3.

[ vn ] to make sth easier :

Ramps have been built to ease access for the disabled.

4.

to make sth or to become less tight and more relaxed

SYN relax :

[ vn ]

Ease your grip on the wheel a little.

[also v ]

5.

to become or make sth lower in price or value

SYN reduce :

[ v ]

Share prices eased back from yesterday's levels.

[also vn ]

PHRASAL VERBS

- ease into sth | ease yourself / sb into sth

- ease off | ease off sth

- ease sb out (of sth)

- ease up

••

WORD ORIGIN

Middle English : from Old French aise , based on Latin adjacens lying close by, present participle of adjacere . The verb is originally from Old French aisier , from the phrase a aise at ease; in later use from the noun.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.