/ ˈiːzi; NAmE / adjective , adverb
■ adjective ( eas·ier , easi·est )
1.
not difficult; done or obtained without a lot of effort or problems :
an easy exam / job
He didn't make it easy for me to leave.
Their house isn't the easiest place to get to.
vegetables that are easy to grow
Several schools are within easy reach (= not far away) .
It can't be easy for her, on her own with the children.
It's easy for you to tell me to keep calm, but you're not in my position.
OPP hard
2.
comfortable, relaxed and not worried :
I'll agree to anything for an easy life .
I don't feel easy about letting the kids go out alone.
OPP uneasy
3.
[ only before noun ] open to attack; not able to defend yourself :
She's an easy target for their criticisms.
The baby fish are easy prey for birds.
4.
[ only before noun ] pleasant and friendly
SYN easy-going :
He had a very easy manner.
OPP awkward
5.
[ not usually before noun ] ( informal , disapproving ) ( of women ) willing to have sex with many different people
—see also easily
► easi·ness noun [ U ]
•
IDIOMS
- as easy as anything / as pie / as ABC / as falling off a log
- easy money
- easy on the ear / eye
- have an easy time (of it)
- I'm easy
- of easy virtue
- on easy street
- take the easy way out
—more at free adjective , option , reach noun , ride noun , touch noun
■ adverb
( eas·ier , easi·est ) used to tell sb to be careful when doing sth :
Easy with that chair—one of its legs is loose.
•
IDIOMS
- breathe / rest easy
- be easier said than done
- easy come, easy go
- easy does it
- go easy on sb
- go easy on / with sth
- not come easy (to sb)
- stand easy
- take it easy
- take it / things easy
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (also in the sense comfortable, tranquil ): from Old French aisie , past participle of aisier put at ease, facilitate, from the phrase a aise at ease.