■ noun absence of difficulty or effort.
↘freedom from worries or problems.
■ verb
1》 make or become less serious or severe.
↘make (something) easier; facilitate.
2》 move carefully or gradually.
3》 ( ~ off/up ) do something with more moderation.
↘( ~ something away/down/off ) Nautical slacken a rope or sail slowly or gently.
4》 (of share prices, interest rates, etc.) decr~ in value or amount.
Phrases
at ( one's ) ~ relaxed.
↘( at ~ ) Military in a relaxed attitude with the feet apart and the hands behind the back.
Derivatives
~ful adjective ( literary ).
~r noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. aise , based on L. adjacens , adjacere 'lie close by'.