ease
UK: iːz | US: iːz
n. freedom from difficulty or effort; comfort
vt. to make something less severe or painful
vi. to become less intense or troublesome
ease = eas<comfort> + e (silent suffix)
- eas (from Old French aise <comfort, opportunity>)
- e (silent suffix, common in English spelling but non-functional in meaning)
Etymology Origin:
The word "ease" traces back to Old French aise, meaning "comfort" or "opportunity," which itself likely derived from Latin adjacens (lying nearby, accessible). Over time, the spelling shifted to "ease" in Middle English, retaining the core idea of physical or mental comfort. The silent "e" is a vestige of English spelling conventions. The word's evolution reflects a straightforward transition from tangible accessibility ("lying nearby") to abstract notions of effortlessness and relief.
She moved with effortless ease across the stage.
The medicine helped ease his pain.
The tension in the room began to ease after the apology.
Financial reforms aim to ease the burden on small businesses.
His reassuring words brought her some ease.