1 easy
Pronounced:
/ˈi:zi/
Function:
adjectiveInflected forms:
eas·i·er; eas·i·estMeaning:
1 : not hard to do : not difficult ▪ an easy lesson ▪ It's surprisingly easy to use. ▪ It was an easy decision to make. ▪ They scored an easy goal late in the game. ▪ It wasn't easy for her to leave home. ▪ He's an easy person (for other people) to like. = It's easy (for other people) to like him. ▪ There are no easy solutions to this problem. ▪ He likes to keep a dictionary within easy reach [=nearby] when he's writing.
2 a : free from pain, trouble, or worry ▪ He's had an easy life. ▪ This new schedule should make our lives easier. ▪ I hope this will make things easier for you. ▪ I won't feel easy until I know that she arrived safely. ▪ an easy mind b : not hurried ▪ We proceeded at an easy [=leisurely] pace. c : not requiring much strength or energy ▪ easy, gentle movements
3 a : not harsh or severe in punishing or criticizing someone ▪ I think they're being too easy on him. [=they're not criticizing/punishing him harshly enough] b : not hard to please ▪ an easy [=lenient] teacher ◊The informal phrase I'm easy is used as a way of saying that you are easy to please and will accept what someone else decides. ▪ “Should we stay at home or go out?” “Whatever you like: I'm easy.”
4 : not steep ▪ easy slopes
5 informal : not hard to get ▪ easy money ▪ easy pickings [=things that are easy to get]
6 : relaxed and informal ▪ He has an easy [=easygoing] manner. ▪ an easy smile —see also free and easy at 1free
7 —used to describe someone or something that is easy to attack, trick, criticize, etc. ▪ His lack of experience makes him an easy target for his political enemies. ▪ insects that are easy prey for many birds ▪ (US) He's an easy mark for anyone needing a loan.
8 informal : lightly pleasant and enjoyable ▪ music for easy listening
9 informal + old-fashioned : not sexually respectable ▪ an easy woman [=a woman who has sex with many men] ▪ easy morals ▪ a woman of easy virtue
2 a : free from pain, trouble, or worry ▪ He's had an easy life. ▪ This new schedule should make our lives easier. ▪ I hope this will make things easier for you. ▪ I won't feel easy until I know that she arrived safely. ▪ an easy mind b : not hurried ▪ We proceeded at an easy [=leisurely] pace. c : not requiring much strength or energy ▪ easy, gentle movements
3 a : not harsh or severe in punishing or criticizing someone ▪ I think they're being too easy on him. [=they're not criticizing/punishing him harshly enough] b : not hard to please ▪ an easy [=lenient] teacher ◊The informal phrase I'm easy is used as a way of saying that you are easy to please and will accept what someone else decides. ▪ “Should we stay at home or go out?” “Whatever you like: I'm easy.”
4 : not steep ▪ easy slopes
5 informal : not hard to get ▪ easy money ▪ easy pickings [=things that are easy to get]
6 : relaxed and informal ▪ He has an easy [=easygoing] manner. ▪ an easy smile —see also free and easy at 1free
7 —used to describe someone or something that is easy to attack, trick, criticize, etc. ▪ His lack of experience makes him an easy target for his political enemies. ▪ insects that are easy prey for many birds ▪ (US) He's an easy mark for anyone needing a loan.
8 informal : lightly pleasant and enjoyable ▪ music for easy listening
9 informal + old-fashioned : not sexually respectable ▪ an easy woman [=a woman who has sex with many men] ▪ easy morals ▪ a woman of easy virtue
(as) easy as ABC or (as) easy as pie or (as) easy as falling off a log
informal : very easy ▪ Getting the permit turned out to be as easy as pie.
easy on the eye or US easy on the eyes
informal : easy or pleasant to look at ▪ The monitor's display is easy on the eyes. ▪ She's very easy on the eyes. [=pretty, good-looking]
over easy —see 3over
—eas·i·ness noun [noncount]