easy
EE-zee
Easy (adj) means requiring little effort or skill; not difficult. Example: “The test was easy compared to what she expected.”
adj
1
Requiring little effort or skill; not difficult.
"The test was easy compared to what she expected."
"Making pancakes is easy once you know the recipe."
2
Relaxed and free from stress or worry.
"He has an easy manner that puts people at ease."
adv
1
In a relaxed, unhurried way.
"Take it easy this weekend and just rest."
How to use easy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot hard to do, or (of a person or mood) relaxed and comfortable.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the adjective easy ("simple") with the adverb easily ("in a simple way") — "she did it easy" is informal; "she did it easily" is standard.
Common pairings
easy to use
take it easy
easy money
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Word forms
- Plural
- easies
- Third person singular
- easies
- Past tense
- easied
- Comparative
- easier, more easy
- Superlative
- easiest, most easy
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The test was _____ compared to what she expected.
Etymology
From Old French aisié ("at ease, at leisure"), from aise — the same root that gives us "ease."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for easy
See all rhymes for easy →Frequently asked questions
What does “easy” mean?
The word “easy” means requiring little effort or skill; not difficult. In plain terms, not hard to do, or (of a person or mood) relaxed and comfortable.
How do you pronounce “easy”?
“Easy” is pronounced EE-zee (/ˈiːzi/ in IPA).
How do you use “easy” in a sentence?
Here is “easy” used in a sentence: “The test was easy compared to what she expected.”
What is another word for “easy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “easy” include as a duck takes to water, basic, easy as 123, easy as ABC, easy as cake and easy as pie.
What is the opposite of “easy”?
The opposite of “easy” — its antonyms — are uneasy, anxious, difficult, hard and uneath.
What part of speech is “easy”?
Depending on how it is used, “easy” can be an adjective and an adverb.
Where does the word “easy” come from?
The word “easy” comes from Old French. From Old French aisié ("at ease, at leisure"), from aise — the same root that gives us "ease.".
Is “easy” a common word?
“Easy” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between "easy" and "simple"?
"Easy" means requiring little effort, while "simple" means having few parts or not being complicated. A task can be simple but not easy — the instructions are clear, yet the work is hard. It can also be easy but not simple, like a complex machine that runs at the push of a button.
What is the opposite of "easy"?
The main opposites are "hard" and "difficult," describing tasks that take real effort or skill. Related words include "demanding," "challenging," and "tough." Where easy tasks can be done with little strain, their opposites require concentration, practice, or struggle to complete.
Is it "easy" or "easily"?
"Easy" is the adjective, describing a thing — "an easy test." "Easily" is the adverb, describing how something is done — "she passed easily." A few fixed phrases keep the older adverb form of "easy," such as "take it easy" and "go easy on him," but in most cases the -ly form is correct.
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