Ease

Definition

Ease refers to the absence of difficulty or effort in performing a task, a state of comfort or freedom from pain, or the act of making something less severe or more relaxed.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /iːz/
• Respelling: eez

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /iːz/
• Respelling: eez

The pronunciation of "ease" is identical in both American and British English, with a long vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "ease" comes from the Old French word "aise," meaning "comfort, pleasure, or convenience." It traces back to the Vulgar Latin "adjacens," meaning "lying close to" or "near," implying comfort or freedom from constraint. The term entered the English language around the 12th century.

Derivatives

• Easy (adjective)
• Easily (adverb)
• Unease (noun)
• Easeful (adjective)
• Uneasily (adverb)

Synonyms

• Comfort
• Simplicity
• Effortlessness

Antonyms

• Difficulty
• Discomfort
• Strain

Usage

The word "ease" is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts to describe a state of being free from difficulty, tension, or discomfort. It can apply to physical tasks, mental states, or the relaxation of rules or conditions. As a verb, it can refer to reducing intensity or tension, as in "easing the burden."

Related Terms

• Comfort: A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or discomfort.
• Relaxation: The state of being free from tension and anxiety.
• Simplicity: The quality or condition of being easy to understand or do.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Freedom from difficulty or effort: Describes a state where tasks or activities can be performed without strain or hard work.
  • Example: "She completed the task with surprising ease."
• A state of comfort or relaxation: Refers to a condition where a person feels physically or mentally at peace.
  • Example: "He felt at ease in the quiet countryside."

Verb

• To make something less severe or tense: Refers to the act of reducing difficulty, tension, or discomfort in a situation.
  • Example: "She tried to ease the tension by cracking a joke."
• To move or adjust something gently: Describes the act of carefully moving or shifting something to prevent damage or discomfort.
  • Example: "He eased the chair into place."