Ease Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ease

[iːz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mental state

The absence of difficulty or effort. A state of being comfortable or free from worries. A feeling of relaxation or relief.

Synonyms

comfort, peace, relaxation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ease

Used when referring to the state of being free from difficulty or effort.

  • She solved the math problem with ease
  • The gentle yoga class helped her move with more ease
comfort

Often used to describe a physical or emotional state of being free from pain or anxiety.

  • The soft chair provided great comfort after a long day
  • His kind words brought her comfort during her tough times
relaxation

Used when talking about the state of being free from tension or anxiety, often through leisure activities.

  • Reading a book by the beach is her favorite form of relaxation
  • The spa offers various treatments for relaxation
peace

Typically used to describe a state or period of freedom from disturbance or conflict, both externally and internally.

  • She felt peace while walking through the quiet forest
  • After the agreement was signed, there was peace between the two countries

Examples of usage

  • He felt a sense of ease after finishing his work.
  • She approached the situation with ease and confidence.
Context #2 | Verb

actions

To make something less unpleasant or difficult. To alleviate discomfort or stress. To lessen the severity of a situation.

Synonyms

alleviate, diminish, relieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ease

Used to describe the act of making something less severe or easier to deal with, generally in a broader or more gradual sense.

  • She took a deep breath to ease her anxiety
  • The new policies aim to ease traffic congestion in the city
alleviate

Used when referring to reducing the intensity or severity of something, often related to pain, suffering, or difficulty.

  • The doctor gave her some medication to alleviate the pain
  • The new laws are designed to alleviate poverty in the neighborhood
relieve

Used to describe the act of removing or reducing a burden, pressure, or discomfort, typically used in more immediate or practical scenarios.

  • She took an aspirin to relieve her headache
  • The charity aims to relieve the suffering of the homeless
diminish

Used when talking about making something smaller or less important, often in a quantifiable or noticeable way.

  • His debts began to diminish as he paid off his loans
  • The influence of the leader started to diminish over time

Examples of usage

  • The medication helped ease her pain.
  • He tried to ease the tension in the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling at ease is crucial for mental well-being, helping individuals manage stress and anxiety effectively.
  • In psychological studies, environments that promote a sense of ease tend to enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'Put your mind at ease' is commonly used in songs and movies to convey comfort and reassurance.
  • In various relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, achieving a state of ease is considered a primary goal.

Science

  • Research indicates that individuals who regularly practice mindfulness experience greater ease in their daily lives, showing improved focus and reduced emotional reactivity.
  • In physical fitness, performing exercises with ease is often recommended for beginners to prevent injury and build confidence.

Literature

  • Many authors have explored the theme of ease versus struggle, highlighting how characters may desire peace amidst conflict or chaos.
  • In poetry, ease often symbolizes inner harmony and balance, contrasting with themes of turmoil or tension.

Origin of 'ease'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'aise', meaning 'comfort' or 'pleasure', which can be traced back to the Latin 'adjacere', meaning 'to be at rest'.
  • It has evolved over the centuries to encompass both physical comfort and emotional tranquility.

The word 'ease' originated from the Old French word 'aise', which means 'comfort, leisure'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. Over time, 'ease' evolved to encompass notions of relaxation, comfort, and lack of difficulty. The concept of ease has been valued across cultures as a state of well-being and peace.


See also: easer, easing, easy, unease.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,126, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.