# ease

/ˈiz/ (US) · /ˈiːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ease
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. lack of difficulty

noun · CEFR B1

the ability to do something without much effort.

For teachers: the quality of being easy to perform or accomplish; absence of difficulty.

- She passed the driving test with ease because she had practiced every day.
- The athlete cleared the final hurdle with such ease that the spectators were left wondering if he had even reached his full speed.

### 2. comfort

noun · CEFR B2

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain or worry.

For teachers: freedom from pain, worry, or constraint; a state of physical or mental comfort.

- He lived a life of ease after retiring from his successful business.
- Despite the formal setting of the gala, the host's natural charm put all the guests at ease immediately.

### 3. to make easier

verb · CEFR B1

to make a problem or a feeling of pain less difficult or severe.

For teachers: to alleviate or lessen the intensity of something unpleasant, such as pain, tension, or a difficult situation.

- The doctor gave him some medicine to ease the pain in his back.
- The central bank lowered interest rates in an attempt to ease the financial pressure on small business owners during the recession.

### 4. to move carefully

verb · CEFR B2

to move something slowly and gently into a position.

For teachers: to move something with care and precision, often to avoid damage or to fit into a tight space.

- He eased the large sofa through the narrow doorway.
- The pilot eased the aircraft onto the runway, ensuring a smooth landing despite the challenging crosswinds.

### 5. to loosen

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to make a rope or a rule less tight.

For teachers: to slacken tension on a physical line or to relax the strictness of a regulation.

- The government decided to ease the travel restrictions next month.
- The captain ordered the crew to ease the sheets to catch the shifting wind more effectively as they rounded the cape.

### 6. to lessen in intensity

verb · CEFR B2

to become less strong or less active.

For teachers: to diminish in pressure, speed, or intensity; often used with 'off'.

- We waited for the rain to ease off before we went for a walk.
- Market analysts expect the inflation rate to ease slightly over the next quarter as supply chain issues are resolved.

## Examples

- She completes the puzzle with ease.
- The new software is known for its ease of use, even for complete beginners.
- He moved with the practiced ease of a professional dancer, making the incredibly difficult choreography seem effortless to the audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.