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ease

 
 
pronunciation:
iz
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
at ease, ease out
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the absence of pain, anxiety, or difficulty.
Her delivery of her second child was one of relative ease.Their many servants provided them with ease and comfort.
synonyms:
peace, security, serenity, tranquillity
antonyms:
adversity, anxiety, difficulty, effort, misery, pain, worry
similar words:
comfort, repose, rest, safety, well-being
definition 2: comfort and financial security.
They lived a life of ease until the war stripped them of their fortune.
synonyms:
comfort, security
antonyms:
difficulty, hardship, misery
similar words:
abundance, affluence, content, contentment, prosperity, welfare, well-being
definition 3: a state of relaxation in the company of others.
Her ease at these formal functions always astounded me.
synonyms:
aplomb, comfort, composure, poise, self-confidence, self-possession
antonyms:
confusion, formality, stiffness
similar words:
relaxation, security, well-being
definition 4: facility.
He speaks Spanish with ease.
synonyms:
deftness, dexterity, effortlessness, facility, fluency, proficiency, readiness
antonyms:
difficulty, effort
similar words:
ability, address, adeptness, aptitude, capability, easiness, expertise, faculty, knack, skill
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: eases, easing, eased
definition 1: to release from pain, worry, or difficulty, or to lessen (such things as these).
Hearing that no one had been seriously injured in the accident eased her mind.This medication will help to ease the pain.
synonyms:
allay, alleviate, comfort, free, mollify, relieve, soothe
antonyms:
aggravate, concern, worsen
similar words:
ameliorate, assuage, calm, disburden, lighten, pacify, quiet, relax, rest, smooth, solace, tranquilize
definition 2: to lighten or release.
She decided to ease the burden on the students by rescheduling the exam.His joke eased the tension in the room.The additional lane should ease the traffic congestion on that road.
synonyms:
loosen, relax, slack
antonyms:
tighten
similar words:
allay, alleviate, ameliorate, free, lighten, loose, mitigate, rest, vent
definition 3: to carefully and slowly move.
He lay his crutches against the chair and eased himself into his seat.
synonyms:
edge
antonyms:
hurry
similar words:
advance, maneuver, move, slip
definition 4: to cause (something) to be a certain way by moving (it) carefully and slowly.
The box was fragile, and she eased the lid open.The nurse eased the bandage off the wound.
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to become less painful, difficult, or anxious.
The situation now appears to be easing as food and medical supplies have begun to arrive.
antonyms:
worsen
similar words:
ameliorate, calm, lighten, relax, tranquilize
definition 2: to move or be moved with great care.
She slowly eased into the wheelchair.
synonyms:
edge
similar words:
advance, maneuver, move, sidle, slip
definition 3: to lessen (often fol. by "up" or "off").
The tension is easing up now that the argument is over.
antonyms:
tighten
similar words:
ameliorate, lighten, loosen, mitigate, slack, soften
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: at ease, ease out
Word Explorer
See
  leisure, sadness