ease
eez
Ease (noun) means the quality of being simple or effortless. Example: “She solved the puzzle with surprising ease.”
noun
1
The quality of being simple or effortless.
"She solved the puzzle with surprising ease."
"The new software made booking flights much easier."
"He answered every question with ease and finished the test early."
2
A relaxed state, free from worry, pain, or awkwardness.
"He felt completely at ease around his old friends."
"A warm smile put the nervous new employees at ease."
"The retired couple lived a life of ease by the sea."
verb
1
To make something less difficult, painful, or intense.
"The medicine eased her headache within an hour."
"New policies aim to ease traffic congestion downtown."
"Taking a short walk can help ease stress after a busy day."
How to use ease
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing comfortable and free of difficulty or strain, or (as a verb) making something less difficult or painful.
Common pairings
at ease
with ease
ease the pain
ease into
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Word forms
- Plural
- eases
- Third person singular
- eases
- Past tense
- eased
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She solved the puzzle with surprising _____.
Etymology
From Old French aise ("elbow room, opportunity"), a word whose deeper origins are murky and disputed.
Synonyms
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simplicity
facility
comfort
effortlessness
relaxation
smoothness
informality
relief
easiness
repose
still
allay
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ease
See all rhymes for ease →Frequently asked questions
What does “ease” mean?
The word “ease” means the quality of being simple or effortless. In plain terms, being comfortable and free of difficulty or strain, or (as a verb) making something less difficult or painful.
How do you pronounce “ease”?
“Ease” is pronounced eez (/iz/ in IPA).
How do you use “ease” in a sentence?
Here is “ease” used in a sentence: “She solved the puzzle with surprising ease.”
What is another word for “ease”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ease” include lessen and reduce.
What part of speech is “ease”?
Depending on how it is used, “ease” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ease” come from?
The word “ease” comes from Old French. From Old French aise ("elbow room, opportunity"), a word whose deeper origins are murky and disputed.
Is “ease” a common word?
“Ease” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ease” have?
“Ease” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of being simple or effortless.
What is the difference between ease and easiness?
'Ease' is the standard noun for the quality of being simple or effortless, as in 'she passed with ease'. 'Easiness' exists but is far less common and often sounds awkward; 'ease' is almost always the better choice.
What is the difference between ease and comfort?
'Ease' can mean either effortlessness or a relaxed state free from worry, focusing on the absence of difficulty or strain. 'Comfort' emphasizes physical wellbeing and pleasant surroundings, so a task can be done with ease, while a chair provides comfort.
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