ease
UK[iːz]US[iːz]
n
the state of being comfortable or relaxed, without problems or effort
n
lack of difficulty
v
to make something less severe, difficult, or unpleasant
v
to move something carefully into position
Etymology
the word 'ease' entered english in the 13th century from the old french 'aise', which signified comfort, convenience, or opportunity. this old french term is believed to have evolved from the vulgar latin 'adjacens', a noun derived from the latin verb 'adjacēre', meaning 'to lie near to'. the conceptual journey is from the physical idea of something being conveniently close at hand to the abstract state of comfort and freedom from difficulty. thus, the modern senses of relaxation and lack of effort logically extend from the ancient notion of having what one needs within easy reach.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the old french 'aise', meaning comfort or opportunity. the old french term likely originated from the vulgar latin 'adjacens', a noun use of the latin 'adjacēns', meaning 'lying nearby', from 'adjacēre' (to lie near).
Examples
she passed the exam with surprising ease.
the new medication should ease the pain.
they eased the large cabinet through the narrow doorway.