at ease

phrase

1

: free from pain or discomfort

2

a

: free from restraint or formality

feels most at ease with old friends

b

: standing silently (as in a military formation) with the feet apart, the right foot in place, and one or both hands behind the body

—often used as a command

Examples of at ease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Superstar singer Taylor Swift seems at ease when watching Chiefs games, regardless of who is next to her. — Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

When birds are chirping, humans may feel a little more at ease. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Officers tried to move him to another cell, but the other men begged them not to, saying his song and prayer put their minds at ease. — Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

The service Mostly at ease with itself, and therefore the guests, and any hesitancy will be ironed out within a few weeks of opening. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for at ease

• agrees
• appease
• bougies
• burmese
• chemise
• chickpeas
• chinese
• cowpeas
• curies
• decrees
• degrees
• disease