easy
/ˈiːzi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈiːzi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈē-zē/ (ame, mw)
easy — adjective
- easypositive
- easiercomparative
- easiestsuperlative
1. A task or activity that is easy can be done or understood without much effort or
A task or activity that is easy can be done or understood without much effort or trouble.
The maths test was surprisingly easy for the whole class.
Arjun found an easy way to fix the broken drawer using strong glue.
easy way + to-infinitive
Learning to ride a bike is not always easy for young children.
The recipe was so easy that Naoko made it without once looking at the book.
- simple
focuses on the lack of complexity rather than effort
- effortless
suggests something is done so easily it seems to take no effort at all; slightly more formal
- straightforward
emphasises a clear, logical path with no hidden difficulties
- painless
informal, suggests the task causes no trouble or inconvenience
文法句型
easy + to-infinitive
easy + for + person
easy + noun
用法筆記
Commonly followed by a to-infinitive ('easy to use', 'easy to clean'). The subject is usually the thing being done, not the person: 'The instructions are easy to follow', NOT 'You are easy to follow the instructions'.
常見錯誤
2. Describes a situation or state where a person has no worry, discomfort, or diffi
Describes a situation or state where a person has no worry, discomfort, or difficulty; comfortable and relaxed.
After the long massage, Élise felt easy and relaxed for the first time in months.
The old armchair is soft and easy, perfect for curling up with a good book.
easy = comfortable (used of furniture)
Hao has an easy smile that makes everyone around him feel welcome.
The group walked at an easy pace, stopping often to enjoy the mountain views.
- comfortable
more general, used for physical ease and financial security
- relaxed
emphasises the absence of tension or stress
- peaceful
suggests a calm, quiet environment without disturbance
文法句型
easy + noun
feel easy
be easy
look easy
用法筆記
This sense often describes a person's manner, a lifestyle, or the physical comfort of furniture or clothing. It is different from sense 1, which focuses on how much effort a task requires.
常見錯誤
easy — adverb
1. Done without difficulty or effort; used in informal English in place of the adve
Done without difficulty or effort; used in informal English in place of the adverb 'easily'.
Caio passed his driving test easy, even though he was quite nervous beforehand.
informal: easy = easily
The new software runs easy on older computers and never slows them down.
Obi finished the crossword puzzle easy, fitting every word in under eight minutes.
The tourists navigated the old city easy using the new map app on their phones.
- easily
the standard formal equivalent; use in writing
- effortlessly
emphasises that the task required no strain
文法句型
verb + easy
用法筆記
This use of 'easy' as an adverb is informal. In standard written English, 'easily' is preferred. Common in everyday speech and casual writing.
常見錯誤
2. In a slow and careful way, without rushing or becoming excited, especially when
In a slow and careful way, without rushing or becoming excited, especially when handling something delicate or risky.
The climbing instructor told everyone to go easy on the steep section near the top.
go easy on [thing]: use carefully
Pim reminded himself to take it easy while recovering from the ankle injury.
take it easy: avoid rushing
Easy does it — lift from the bottom so the glass inside does not break.
The movers took it easy carrying the piano down the narrow staircase.
文法句型
go easy
take it easy
walk easy
easy does it
用法筆記
Most often appears in fixed phrases: 'go easy (on someone/something)', 'take it easy', and 'easy does it'. These are everyday expressions that learners should memorise as whole units.
常見錯誤
3. In a relaxed way, without anxiety or stress; living or behaving calmly without p
In a relaxed way, without anxiety or stress; living or behaving calmly without pressure.
After retiring, Ziad planned to live easy and spend time with his grandchildren.
live easy: relaxed lifestyle
The friends sat easy on the porch, chatting and laughing until late.
Quinn decided to take the whole summer easy instead of enrolling in extra classes.
The librarian sat easy in her chair between shifts, reading poetry.
- calmly
focuses on emotional state; more formal
- comfortably
suggests physical ease and freedom from hardship
- anxiously
the opposite of living without worry
- restlessly
suggests an inability to relax
文法句型
live easy
take it easy
sit easy
用法筆記
Common in expressions about lifestyle and attitude ('live easy', 'take things easy'). Closely related to adverb sense 2, but with the focus on emotional calm rather than physical carefulness.
4. In a way that does not involve a harsh or severe punishment; with a forgiving at
In a way that does not involve a harsh or severe punishment; with a forgiving attitude towards someone's mistakes.
The judge went easy on the young driver because it was his first traffic offence.
go easy on [person]: be lenient
Nicholas asked the teacher to go easy on the project deadline since everyone had exams.
The coach went easy on the team after their long bus trip to the match.
The manager agreed to go easy on the late fee for the regular customer.
文法句型
go easy on + person
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the phrase 'go easy on + person'. You cannot say 'be easy on' with the same meaning — only 'go easy on' works for leniency.
常見錯誤
5. With calm, soft movements; not in a rough or sudden way, especially when handlin
With calm, soft movements; not in a rough or sudden way, especially when handling fragile objects or delicate situations.
Easy does it — the vase is old and might crack if you pull too hard.
easy does it: gentle handling
The night-shift nurse told the patient to breathe easy while she listened to his chest.
The art student told her friend to go easy when lifting the large canvas.
Easy does it with those scissors — the silk ribbon tears without much force.
文法句型
easy does it
breathe easy
verb + easy
用法筆記
Appears most often in the fixed expression 'easy does it', used as a warning to handle something with care. 'Breathe easy' is another common fixed phrase meaning to breathe slowly and calmly.
6. Without any doubt; certainly. Used informally before a verb to emphasise that so
Without any doubt; certainly. Used informally before a verb to emphasise that something is very likely or definitely true.
That restaurant down the street could easy be the best place to eat in town.
could easy be: certainly is (informal)
The repairs on the car could easy cost more than the vehicle itself is worth.
The hike could easy take four hours with lunch stops along the way.
Gabriel's new novel could easy be the most popular book of the summer season.
- easily
the standard adverb form; use 'could easily be' in writing
- certainly
more formal and direct
- definitely
emphasises strong certainty
文法句型
could + easy + be/do
be + easy + adjective/comparative
用法筆記
Very informal. The pattern is usually 'could + easy + verb' ('could easy be', 'could easy cost'). In formal writing, use 'easily' or 'certainly' instead. Do not use this sense in academic or professional English.