ease
/iːz/ (bre, ipa) · /iːz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈēz/ (ame, mw)
ease — verb
- easepresent simple I / you / we / they
- eases3rd person singular
- easing-ing form
- easedpast simple
1. to make a physical pain, a problem, or a tense situation become less strong or l
to make a physical pain, a problem, or a tense situation become less strong or less serious; or to become weaker or less serious by itself without anyone doing anything.
The medicine helped ease the pain in Ilan's lower back after the accident.
collocation: ease the pain
Tensions between the two teams eased after Hugo apologized for his comments.
intransitive use: tensions ease
Ayana took a deep breath to ease her nerves before the job interview.
The government introduced new policies to ease the housing shortage in Kaohsiung.
Over time, the stiffness in Luca's shoulder eased and he moved his arm freely again.
文法句型
ease + noun phrase
ease + (to infinitive)
ease [no object]
用法筆記
This sense can be used transitively (someone eases something) or intransitively (something eases by itself). Common objects include pain, tension, worries, restrictions, and shortages.
常見錯誤
2. to move something or someone slowly and gently to a specific spot or through a t
to move something or someone slowly and gently to a specific spot or through a tight space, or to move your own body in this way, so that nothing gets damaged or forced.
Indra eased the key into the old lock and turned it bit by bit.
pattern: ease + object + into + place
The nurse eased Jason carefully onto the bed after his operation.
Rodrigo eased the heavy box onto the table so the glass would not break.
Zayd eased himself into the narrow space behind the machine to fix the broken cable.
Hannah eased her car out of the tight parking spot without scratching the bumper.
文法句型
ease + noun phrase + prepositional phrase
ease + reflexive pronoun + prepositional phrase
ease [no object] + prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used with a prepositional phrase indicating direction (into, onto, out of, through). The reflexive pronoun pattern (ease yourself into/onto) is common when describing a person's own movement.
ease — noun
1. a state in which something can be done without effort or difficulty.
a state in which something can be done without effort or difficulty.
The test was so simple that Arjun finished it with ease.
pattern: with ease
Yan learned to play the guitar with surprising ease after only three lessons.
collocation: surprising ease
The new software lets you edit photos with great ease.
Hannah completed the marathon with remarkable ease, smiling as she crossed the finish line.
- simplicity
focuses on the quality of being simple; 'ease' focuses on the experience of effortlessness
- effortlessness
more formal and less common; emphasizes the absence of strain
- hardship
implies sustained struggle rather than a single hard task
文法句型
with ease
for ease of [something]
with surprising/great/remarkable ease
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'with ease' or in patterns like 'for ease of use/access/cleaning'. Rarely appears as a standalone subject ('*Ease of the task surprised me' is unnatural — prefer 'The ease with which...').
常見錯誤
2. a situation in which you are physically comfortable, relaxed, and not troubled b
a situation in which you are physically comfortable, relaxed, and not troubled by worry, pain, or problems.
After a busy week, Luca enjoyed the ease of sitting by the fireplace.
The seaside resort offers a life of ease and luxury for its guests.
collocation: life of ease
The massage brought ease to Ayana's tired muscles after the long hike.
Indra forgot his worries and enjoyed the ease of lying in the warm sun.
- comfort
nearly synonymous in this sense; 'ease' can also carry a sense of freedom from effort
- relaxation
focuses more on the act of resting, while 'ease' is a state of being
- peace
broader, can refer to mental or social calm beyond physical comfort
文法句型
at ease
life of ease
ease and comfort
put someone at ease
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (RELAXED CONFIDENCE): sense 2 describes physical relaxation and absence of pain/discomfort, whereas sense 3 describes social ease and lack of embarrassment.
3. a relaxed, confident, and natural way of behaving with other people, without ner
a relaxed, confident, and natural way of behaving with other people, without nervousness or embarrassment.
The friendly teacher put the nervous new students at ease on the first day.
pattern: put someone at ease
Zayd felt completely at ease when talking to his grandmother about his problems.
pattern: feel at ease
Anthony spoke with ease in front of the large crowd at the conference.
Hugo's warm smile immediately put everyone at ease during the tense meeting.
- poise
more formal, suggests grace under pressure; 'ease' is warmer and more approachable
- composure
focuses on self-control; 'ease' emphasizes naturalness and lack of self-consciousness
- naturalness
close synonym emphasizing lack of artificiality
- awkwardness
the social discomfort that is opposite of being at ease
文法句型
at ease
put/set someone at ease
feel at ease
with ease
用法筆記
Almost always appears as part of the fixed phrase 'at ease' or its variants. 'Put someone at ease' describes making someone feel comfortable in a social situation. Distinguish from sense 2 (COMFORT), which refers to physical comfort and freedom from pain.
常見錯誤
4. a body position required of soldiers, where the feet are separated and both hand
a body position required of soldiers, where the feet are separated and both hands rest behind the back, used especially as a command or as a resting stance during drills.
The sergeant shouted 'At ease!' and the soldiers immediately relaxed their posture.
command: 'At ease!'
The troops stood at ease while waiting for the commanding officer to arrive.
pattern: stand at ease
The cadets remained at ease except when addressed by an officer during the rehearsal.
The officer told the new recruits to stand at ease and listen to his instructions.
- attention
the opposite military standing position, where soldiers stand straight with feet together
文法句型
at ease
stand at ease
用法筆記
This military sense is almost always used in the fixed phrase 'at ease' as either a command or a description of stance. It is distinct from the other senses and rarely appears in everyday conversation outside military contexts.