easy

/ˈiːzi/
adjective★Beginner
◆ What It Really Means
Describes something that is simple or effortless, often used metaphorically to describe situations or people.
Literal Meaning
The word itself means 'not difficult' in a literal sense.
Literal Breakdown
eas-not difficult+-yadjective form
◇ Mental Image
Conveys a sense of simplicity, comfort, or lack of challenge.
◈ When to Use
A teacher might say, 'This math problem is easy,' to reassure students that it requires minimal effort.
◉ Cultural Note
The word is commonly used in everyday language to describe tasks, people, or situations that are uncomplicated.
formal

Not difficult or demanding; requiring little effort or skill

The test was surprisingly easy.

The task was so easy that even beginners could complete it.

💡

Often used to describe tasks, subjects, or situations that require minimal effort.

Collocations

easy to usesimple and straightforward for userseasy does ita phrase advising someone to proceed slowly and carefullyeasy come, easy gothings that are gained easily can also be lost easily

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

easy as pieidiom
very simple or effortless
easy on the eyesidiom
pleasing to look at
easy streetidiom
a life of comfort and luxury

💡Pro Tip

Common Collocations

Remember common phrases like 'easy to use' and 'easy does it' to sound more natural.

⚡Gold Rule

Adjective vs. Adverb

While 'easy' is an adjective, 'easily' is the adverb form (e.g., 'She solved the problem easily').

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'easye', from Old French 'aisié', from Latin 'adiacens' (adjacent, suitable), from 'ad-' (to) + 'iacere' (to throw). The sense of 'not difficult' emerged in the 16th century.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used as an adverb in informal contexts (e.g., 'easy does it'). Often paired with 'to' (e.g., 'easy to learn').

Word Breakdown

eas-
not difficult
root
+
-y
adjective suffix
suffix
English Dictionary