/ 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.