easy

Main Entry:: ¹easy
Pronunciation:: \ˈē-zē\
Function:: adjective
Inflected Form(s):: eas·i·er; eas·i·est
Etymology:: Middle English esy, from Anglo-French eisé, aasié, past participle of eiser, aaisier to ease, from a- ad- (from Latin ad-) + eise ease
Date:: 13th century

1 a: causing or involving little difficulty or discomfort <within easy reach> b: requiring or indicating little effort, thought, or reflection <easy clichés>2 a: not severe : lenient <hopes they'll be easy on him> b: not steep or abrupt <easy slopes> c: not difficult to endure or undergo <an easy penalty> d: readily taken advantage of <an easy target for takeovers> <an easy mark for con men> e (1): readily available <easy pickings> (2): plentiful in supply at low or declining interest rates <easy money> (3): less in demand and usually lower in price <bonds were easier> f: pleasant <easy listening> g: sexually promiscuous3 a: marked by peace and comfort <the easy life of a courtier> b: not hurried or strenuous <an easy pace>4 a: free from pain, annoyance, or anxiety <did all she could to make him easier> b: marked by social ease <an air of easy assurance> c: easygoing <an easy disposition>5 a: giving ease, comfort, or relaxation b: not burdensome or straitened <bought on easy terms> c: fitting comfortably : allowing freedom of movement <easy jackets> d: marked by ready facility <an easy flowing style> e: felt or attained to readily, naturally, and spontaneously <an easy smile>

— eas·i·ness noun

synonyms easy , facile , simple , light , effortless , smooth mean not demanding effort or involving difficulty. easy is applicable either to persons or things imposing tasks or to activity required by such tasks <an easy college course>. facile often adds to easy the connotation of undue haste or shallowness <facile answers to complex questions>. simple stresses ease in understanding or dealing with because complication is absent <a simple problem in arithmetic>. light stresses freedom from what is burdensome <a light teaching load>. effortless stresses the appearance of ease and usually implies the prior attainment of artistry or expertness <moving with effortless grace>. smooth stresses the absence or removal of all difficulties, hardships, or obstacles <a smooth ride>.

synonyms see in addition comfortable

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