adj.
Pronunciation: ' ē -z ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: eas · i · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English esy, from Anglo-French eisé, aasié, past participle of eiser, aaisier to ease, from a- ad- (fr. Latin ad- ) + eise ease
Date: 13th century
1 a : causing or involving little difficulty or discomfort <within easy reach> b : requiring or indicating little effort, thought, or reflection < easy clichés>
2 a : not severe : LENIENT <hopes they'll be easy on him> b : not steep or abrupt < easy slopes> c : not difficult to endure or undergo <an easy penalty> d : readily taken advantage of <an easy target for takeovers> <an easy mark for con men> e (1) : readily available < easy pickings> (2) : plentiful in supply at low or declining interest rates < easy money> (3) : less in demand and usually lower in price <bonds were easier > f : PLEASANT < easy listening> g : sexually promiscuous
3 a : marked by peace and comfort <the easy life of a courtier> b : not hurried or strenuous <an easy pace>
4 a : free from pain, annoyance, or anxiety <did all she could to make him easier > b : marked by social ease <an air of easy assurance> c : EASYGOING <an easy disposition>
5 a : giving ease, comfort, or relaxation b : not burdensome or straitened <bought on easy terms> c : fitting comfortably : allowing freedom of movement < easy jackets> d : marked by ready facility <an easy flowing style> e : felt or attained to readily, naturally, and spontaneously <an easy smile>
– eas · i · ness noun
synonyms EASY , FACILE , SIMPLE , LIGHT , EFFORTLESS , SMOOTH mean not demanding effort or involving difficulty. EASY is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks <an easy college course>. FACILE often adds to EASY the connotation of undue haste or shallowness < facile answers to complex questions>. SIMPLE stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent <a simple problem in arithmetic>. LIGHT stresses freedom from what is burdensome <a light teaching load>. EFFORTLESS stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness <moving with effortless grace>. SMOOTH stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles <a smooth ride>. synonym see in addition COMFORTABLE