Easy

ˈiːzi

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonQuality
3 meanings3 idioms/phrases4 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Not requiring much effort or skill; simple.

ˈiːzi

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Quality

Not difficult; requiring little effort.

The exam was easy to pass.

💡 Simply: Like when you get a question right on a quiz without even thinking! "This game is so easy; I always win!"

👶 For kids: When something is not hard to do.

More Examples

2

This is an easy task.

3

She found the math problems easy.

How It's Used

General

"Solving this puzzle is easy."

Education

"The test was easy, and most students passed."

2

Free from care, anxiety, or discomfort; relaxed.

ˈiːzi

adjectivepositivemedium
State of Being

Free from worry or pain; relaxed.

She felt easy after the stressful meeting.

💡 Simply: Imagine you’re chilling on a beach, with no worries. That's when you feel 'easy' like, "I'm feeling easy and carefree right now!"

👶 For kids: When you feel happy and not worried.

More Examples

2

The music created an easy atmosphere.

3

They enjoyed an easy friendship.

How It's Used

Psychology

"He felt easy in her company."

Social

"They had an easy conversation."

Tip:Think of feeling 'easy' like sitting back and relaxing on a warm day.
3

Not strict or demanding; lenient.

ˈiːzi

adjectiveneutralmedium
Quality

Not strict; lenient.

The teacher was easy on students who missed the deadline.

💡 Simply: Like when your teacher doesn't give you too much homework because they are being "easy" on you. "The teacher was easy on us today; the homework was a breeze!"

👶 For kids: When someone doesn't make you follow a lot of rules.

More Examples

2

He was easy with his money.

3

They had an easygoing attitude to rules.

How It's Used

Parenting

"Her parents were easy with her."

Law

"The judge was easy on the defendant."

Tip:Picture someone 'easing' up on rules or restrictions.

Idioms & expressions

easy as pie

Very easy; simple.

"Learning this new software is as easy as pie."

go easy on

To treat someone or something gently or leniently.

"The coach told the team to go easy on their opponents."

take it easy

To relax and not worry or work too hard.

"After a long day at work, I just want to take it easy."

From Old French "aisié" (comfortable, at ease), from "aise" (ease), from Latin "ad-" (to) + "se" (at ease).

The word 'easy' has been used in English since the 13th century and has retained a consistent meaning relating to simplicity and lack of difficulty.

Memory tip

Imagine an 'e' and a 'z' linked together - easy!

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
easy taskeasy answereasy solutioneasy lifeeasy to doeasy to understand

Common misspellings

ezeyeasieeazy

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written