Easy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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easy

[ˈiːzi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

to describe a task

Achievable without great effort or difficulty; presenting few complications.

Synonyms

effortless, simple, straightforward, uncomplicated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
easy	Commonly used in casual talk to describe something that does not require much effort or difficulty. The test was easy. It's so easy to make this recipe.
simple	Often used to describe something that is easy to understand or do and not complex. The instructions were simple. It's a simple concept.
effortless	Used to describe tasks or activities that seem to require no effort and are completed with grace or ease. It has a slightly more refined tone. She made the complex dance look effortless. He has an effortless charm.
straightforward	Used to describe tasks or situations that are direct and uncomplicated, without hidden difficulties or complexities. The process is straightforward. His explanation was straightforward.
uncomplicated	Typically describes something that lacks complexity and is easy to manage or understand. The layout of the website is uncomplicated. She prefers an uncomplicated lifestyle.

Examples of usage

It's an easy task, you can finish it in no time.
She found the exam quite easy, as she had studied well.
The instructions are very easy to follow.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

to describe an action

Without difficulty or effort, with little or no trouble.

Synonyms

effortlessly, readily, smoothly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
easy	Used to describe something that does not require much effort or difficulty. The math problem was easy for me to solve. Cooking this dish is very easy.
effortlessly	Used to describe doing something without any evident effort, indicating a high level of skill or ease. She danced effortlessly across the stage. He completed the puzzle effortlessly.
smoothly	Used to describe something that proceeds without any issues or interruptions. The meeting went smoothly. The car runs smoothly after the repair.
readily	Used to describe something done quickly and without hesitation. She readily agreed to help. Information about the project is readily available.

Examples of usage

He can easily solve this problem.
She quickly and easily completed the puzzle.
They managed to finish the race quite easily.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

to describe a situation

Something that is easy, a task that is not complicated or difficult to do.

Synonyms

effortless job, piece of cake, simple task.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
easy	general description for something not difficult The math test was surprisingly easy. This software makes editing photos easy.
simple task	a task that is easy to perform Organizing the files was a simple task. Assembling the IKEA chair was a simple task.
piece of cake	informal expression describing something very easy Learning to play this game was a piece of cake. Fixing the leaky faucet was a piece of cake.

Word

Description / Examples

easy

general description for something not difficult

The math test was surprisingly easy.
This software makes editing photos easy.

simple task

a task that is easy to perform

Organizing the files was a simple task.
Assembling the IKEA chair was a simple task.

piece of cake

informal expression describing something very easy

Learning to play this game was a piece of cake.
Fixing the leaky faucet was a piece of cake.

Examples of usage

Learning to ride a bike was an easy for him.
She always looks for the easy way out of difficult situations.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Tasks perceived as easy are more likely to induce a positive emotional state, boosting motivation.
People often overestimate their abilities in tasks they find easy, leading to the Dunning-Kruger effect.
Research shows that when people feel at ease while learning new things, they tend to retain information better.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'easy like Sunday morning' comes from a popular song by Lionel Richie, suggesting a relaxed state.
In the gaming world, an 'easy mode' often allows players to enjoy the game with fewer challenges.
There’s a popular cultural reference where people say they prefer the 'easy way' in situations that require effort.

Literature

In many children’s books, the protagonist often faces 'easy' challenges that symbolize learning and growth.
Famous quotes about success often highlight the misconception that great achievements come easily.
Throughout classic literature, simplicity in character choices highlights the contrast to more complicated moral dilemmas.

Education

In teaching, educators often scaffold learning by initially providing 'easy' problems to build confidence.
The concept of 'easy learning' techniques emphasizes play and exploration as effective educational tools.
Curricular design often incorporates a progressive difficulty approach, where 'easy' tasks lead to more complex ones.

Origin of 'easy'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Middle English 'ese', which meant comfortable or prosperous.
Originally from the Old French 'aisé', meaning 'at ease', it reflects a sense of comfort.
In terms of linguistic roots, 'easy' is connected to the Latin 'facilis', indicating something that is made easy.

The word 'easy' originated from the Old French word 'aisie', meaning 'comfort, leisure'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language. The concept of ease and simplicity has been valued throughout history, leading to the common usage of the word 'easy' in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #991 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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988 treated
989 interesting
990 introduced
991 easy
992 investment
993 served
994 variety
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