easily
EE-zih-lee
Easily (adv) means Without difficulty or effort. Example: “The lid came off easily when I twisted it.”
adv
1
Without difficulty or effort.
"The lid came off easily when I twisted it."
"She easily beat her personal best in the race."
"The stain came out easily with a bit of soap."
2
Without a doubt; by far.
"She is easily the funniest person in our whole office."
"This is easily one of the most beautiful beaches along the coast."
"That was easily the best meal I've had all year."
How to use easily
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something without trouble, or (in another sense) clearly and by a wide margin.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- easilier, more easily
- Superlative
- most easily, easiliest
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The lid came off _____ when I twisted it.
Etymology
From easy plus the adverb ending -ly.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for easily
See all rhymes for easily →Frequently asked questions
What does “easily” mean?
The word “easily” means without difficulty or effort. In plain terms, doing something without trouble, or (in another sense) clearly and by a wide margin.
How do you pronounce “easily”?
“Easily” is pronounced EE-zih-lee (/ˈi.zɪ.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “easily” in a sentence?
Here is “easily” used in a sentence: “She easily beat her personal best in the race.”
What part of speech is “easily”?
“Easily” is an adverb.
Is “easily” a common word?
“Easily” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “easily” have?
“Easily” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: without difficulty or effort.
What is the opposite of easily?
The opposite of easily is 'with difficulty' or 'with effort'. Where easily means something is done smoothly and without strain, its opposite describes a struggle — labouring over a task, or barely managing it. Single-word contrasts include 'laboriously' or 'arduously', though the plain phrase 'with difficulty' is the most natural.
Does 'easily' always mean without effort?
No. It has a second common use meaning 'by far' or 'without doubt', as in 'she is easily the best player'. Here it does not describe effort at all, but strength of certainty — that the statement holds true with a comfortable margin. Context shows which sense is meant.
What is an example of 'easily' in a sentence?
You might say, 'She passed the test easily,' meaning without difficulty, or 'The car easily fits five people,' meaning with room to spare. In its other sense, 'This is easily his best film' means it is the best by a clear margin. The word signals that something happens smoothly or holds true comfortably.
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