easy
/ˈiː.zi/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Not difficult or needing much effort. Used for tasks, problems, or choices that are simple to do or understand.
- This math question is easy.
- The instructions were easy to follow.
- It was an easy decision.
- 2.
Relaxed and not worried. It can describe a person's manner, mood, or style.
- She has an easy smile.
- He seems easy around new people.
- Try to stay easy before the interview.
- 3.
Calm and friendly, especially in social situations. It can mean natural and comfortable, not forced.
- We had an easy conversation.
- His easy manner makes people trust him.
- The room had an easy atmosphere.
Adinary Nuance
Easy is close to simple, but they are not always the same. Easy means not difficult to do, while simple often means not complicated in structure. Easy can also describe a relaxed person or mood, which simple usually does not.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- dễ
- Spanish
- fácil
- Chinese
- 容易
- Japanese
- 簡単な
- Korean
- 쉬운
Etymology
Easy comes from Old French aisé, meaning 'comfortable' or 'at ease'. It entered English in the Middle Ages and later took on the stronger sense of 'not hard'.
Common phrases
an easy taskan easy answertake it easyeasy to use
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between easy and simple?
- Easy means not hard to do. Simple means not complicated. A task can be easy but still not simple.
- Is easy a polite word in business writing?
- Yes, it is common in business English. It is clear and natural, but sometimes straightforward sounds more formal.
- Can easy describe a person?
- Yes. It can mean relaxed, calm, and pleasant to be with.
- What does take it easy mean?
- It means relax or do not worry. It is a very common informal phrase.