◙ (easier, easiest) 1. achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties • 容易的；不费力的 »an easy way of retrieving information. 一种检索信息的简单方法。 [attrib.] (of an object of attack or criticism) having no defence;vulnerable • （对攻击、指责）无防备的；易受攻击的；易受指责的 »as a taxi driver he was vulnerable and an easy target. 作为出租车司机，他容易受到攻击。 (informal, derogatory)(of a woman) open to sexual advances; sexually available • [非正式，贬] （女人）水性杨花的，放荡的；性方面随便的 »her reputation at school for being easy. 她在学校里的水性杨花的名声。 2. (of a period of time or way of life) free from worries or problems • （时期或生活方式）安逸的，舒适的 »promises of an easy life in the New World. 新大陆舒适生活的前景。 (of a person) lacking anxiety or awkwardness;relaxed • （人）从容的，自如的；自在的，不拘束的 »his easy and agreeable manner. 他从容的、令人愉快的举止。 »they didn't feel easy about what they were doing. 他们当时对自己所做事感到不安。 ◙ adverb 1. (informal chiefly archaic or US)without difficulty or effort • [非正式，主古或美] 容易地，轻松地，不费力地 »we all scared real easy in those days. 那些日子里我们都容易受惊。 ◙ exclamation 1. be careful • 小心，当心，慢点 »easy, girl—you'll knock me over!. 慢点，小姑娘—你要把我撞倒啦！。
【IDIOMS】
◘ be easier said than done 1. be more easily talked about than put into practice • 说时容易做时难 »going on an economy drive is easier said than done. 开展节约运动说起来容易做起来难。 ◘ (as) easy as pie --› seepie ◘ easy come, easy go 1. used especially in spoken English to indicate that a relationship or possession acquired without effort or difficulty may be abandoned or lost casually and without regret • ［尤在口语中］来得容易去得快 ◘ easy does it 1. used especially in spoken English to advise someone to approach a task carefully and slowly • ［尤在口语中］小心行事；从容图之；不着急，不着忙 ◘ easy on the eye (或 ear) 1. [informal] pleasant to look at (or listen to) • [非正式] 好看（或听）的，悦目（或耳）的 ◘ go (或 be) easy on someone 1. [informal] refrain from being harsh with or critical of someone • [非正式] 温和地对待某人，宽容地对待某人 ◘ go easy on something 1. [informal] be sparing or cautious in one's use or consumption of something • [非正式] 有节制地使用（或消耗） »go easy on fatty foods. 少吃高脂肪食品。 ◘ have it easy 1. [informal] be free from difficulties; be fortunate • [非正式] 容易，轻易；幸运 ◘ I'm easy 1. [informal] said by someone when offered a choice to indicate that they have no particular preference • [非正式] 我随便（表示没有特别喜好或要求） ◘ of easy virtue 1. (dated or humorous)(of a woman) sexually promiscuous • [旧或幽默] （女人）放荡的，水性杨花的，滥交的 ◘ sleep (或 rest) easy 1. go to sleep without (or be untroubled by) worries • 安然入睡；放心，高枕无忧 »this insurance policy will let you rest easy. 这份保险单会让你高枕无忧。 ◘ stand easy! 1. [Military] used to instruct soldiers standing at ease that they may relax their attitude further • [军] 休息！（命令稍息状态的士兵进一步放松姿态的口令） ◘ take the easy way out 1. extricate oneself from a difficult situation by choosing the simplest rather than the most honourable course of action • （选择最简单而非最体面的方式）使自己摆脱困境 ◘ take it easy 1. proceed calmly and in a relaxed manner • 从容不迫，不慌不忙 make little effort;rest • 放松，休息
【派生】
♦ easiness noun
【语源】
1. Middle English (also in the sense 'comfortable, quiet, tranquil'): from Old French aisie, past participle of aisier 'put at ease, facilitate' (seeease)