easy

Requiring little effort or skill to do or understand.

• This game is easy.
• The instructions were easy to follow.
• Was the test easier than you expected?

How to use it: easy to do something (This book is easy to read.); easy for someone to do something (It is easy for children to use.)

Similar words: simple, straightforward

Opposites: difficult, hard

Common phrases: easy question, easy to use, easy for someone

Relaxed, natural, and smooth, without stiffness or too many rules.

• She greeted us with an easy smile.
• His easy manner helped everyone relax.
• Their conversation had an easy flow.

Similar words: relaxed, natural, unforced

Opposites: stiff, awkward

Common phrases: easy manner, easy smile, easy conversation

Comfortable and allowing you to rest without worry or discomfort.

• He rested in an easy chair.
• They enjoyed an easy life by the sea.
• She found an easy position for her injured leg.

Similar words: comfortable, relaxed

Opposites: uncomfortable

Common phrases: easy chair, easy life, easy position

In a calm, relaxed way, without trying too hard or moving too fast.

• Take it easy today.
• Easy does it; the floor is slippery.
• We took it easy after our long walk.

Similar words: calmly, gently

Common phrases: take it easy, go easy, easy does it

Without being too strict, rough, or unkind.

• Go easy on your little brother.
• The coach went easy on the injured players.
• Could you go easy on my sore shoulder?

How to use it: go easy on someone/something (Please go easy on him; he is new.)

Similar words: gently, lightly

Opposites: harshly

Common phrases: go easy on, easy on someone, go easy

At least that much, and possibly more.

• It weighs twenty kilos, easy.
• We waited three hours, easy.
• That house could cost a million, easy.

Similar words: at least, easily

Common phrases: a thousand easy, ten miles easy, two hours easy