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ease
/iːz/
freedom from difficulty
The new software makes data analysis a breeze, offering users ease of use.
The software is very simple to use, requiring little effort.
formalneutral
freedom from difficulty or effort; lack of hardship
She completed the task with ease.
She completed the task without any difficulty.
The ease of the procedure surprised everyone.
The simplicity of the process was unexpected.
Often used to describe how effortless an action or process feels.
neutral
to make something less difficult or burdensome
The manual aims to ease the transition to the new system.
The manual helps make the change to the new system smoother.
Exercise can ease stress and anxiety.
Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Commonly used in contexts like easing pain, tension, or workload.
Collocations
at easerelaxed and comfortablewith easewithout difficultyease of usehow simple something is to operateease intoto gradually introduce or start something
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Collocation Mastery
Pair 'ease' with prepositions like 'with' ('with ease'), 'into' ('ease into'), or 'of' ('ease of use') to sound natural. Avoid saying 'at the ease' unless referring to military commands.
Gold Rule
Noun vs. Verb
Use 'ease' as a noun to describe a state (e.g., 'He spoke with ease'). Use it as a verb to describe an action (e.g., 'The medicine eased his pain').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'eese', from Old French 'aise' (comfort, pleasure), ultimately from Latin 'adjaceo' (to lie near, to be present). The verb sense developed later, influenced by the noun.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'ease' often follows 'with' (e.g., 'with ease'). As a verb, it is transitive (e.g., 'to ease pain') or intransitive (e.g., 'the tension eased'). Common in formal and neutral contexts.
Word Breakdown
ease
comfort or lack of difficulty
rootEnglish Dictionary