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easy

adj. · adv.
US //ˈizi// UK //ˈiːzi// easy
  1. 1 not difficult (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    not difficult to do or understand; requiring little effort.

    requiring minimal effort, skill, or cognitive resources to accomplish or comprehend.

    Example

    The exam was very easy, so I finished it twenty minutes early.

    Example

    The software provides an easy interface for novice users while maintaining powerful features for professionals.
    Pitfall
    It is easy for me doing this.
    It is easy for me to do this.

    The adjective 'easy' is followed by an infinitive (to do), not a gerund (doing).

  2. 2 relaxed (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling comfortable and not worried.

    characterised by a lack of stress, constraint, or formality; relaxed in manner.

    Example

    She has an easy smile that makes everyone feel welcome.

    Example

    After years of high-pressure corporate work, he finally enjoyed an easy life in the countryside.
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  1. 3 sexually available (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Vulgar

    a person who is very willing to have sex with anyone.

    consenting readily to sexual activity; typically used as a derogatory descriptor for women.

    Example

    He made a rude comment about her being easy just because she was friendly.

    Example

    The character was unfairly labelled as easy by her peers, reflecting the double standards of the era.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is often offensive and sexist; learners should be aware of its negative connotations and avoid using it to describe people.
  2. 4 financial stability (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Finance

    having enough money to live comfortably.

    pertaining to a state of financial comfort or a market where capital is readily available.

    Example

    The family lived in easy circumstances thanks to their successful business.

    Example

    The central bank's policy led to easy credit conditions, encouraging businesses to expand despite the economic uncertainty.
  3. 5 carefully or slowly (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    to do something gently or with caution.

    in a relaxed, careful, or gradual manner; often used in imperative constructions.

    Example

    Take it easy while your leg is still healing from the injury.

    Example

    Go easy on the salt; the chef already seasoned the soup quite heavily before it left the kitchen.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrasal expressions 'take it easy' or 'go easy on'.
Origin

From Middle English esy, eesy, partly from Middle English ese (“ease”) + -y, equivalent to ease + -y, and partly from Anglo-Norman eisé from Old French aisié (“eased, at ease, at leisure”), past participle of aisier (“to put at ease”), from aise (“empty space, elbow room, opportunity”), of uncertain origin. See ease. Merged with Middle English ethe, eathe (“easy”), from Old English īeþe, from Proto-Germanic auþuz, from Proto-Indo-European h₂éwtus, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ew- (“to enjoy, consume”). Compare also Old Saxon ōþi, Old High German ōdi, Old Norse auðr, auð-, Icelandic auð (adverb), auð-, all meaning "easy." More at ease, eath.

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