C1noun1K

Ease

UK /["/iːz/"]/US /["/iːz/"]/

Definition

lack of difficulty

In simple words: Comfort or relaxation; not having difficulty.

Examples

  • She completed the exam with surprising ease.
  • The medication helped to ease her pain.
  • He spoke with ease, impressing everyone in the room.
  • The child adjusted to the new environment with great ease.
  • The government promised measures to ease traffic congestion.
  • She applied cream to ease the itching caused by the rash.
  • With ease, the gymnast performed her complex routine flawlessly.
  • The designer used soft fabrics to bring ease and comfort to the clothing line.

Usage notes

Use 'ease' in contexts where there is a lack of trouble or effort. It’s more appropriate in formal writing than in casual conversation, where alternatives like 'no problem' might be used.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'ease' as being 'easy' — no stress, just comfort.

Collocations

  • consummate
  • great
  • astonishing
  • for ease in
  • for ease of
  • with ease

Synonyms

  • reassure

Antonyms

  • difficulty
  • stress
  • struggle

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ease up' which means to reduce intensity.
  • Using as a verb instead of as a noun, e.g., saying 'I need to ease.'
  • Mispronouncing as 'eeze' instead of the correct pronunciation 'eez'.