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

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

Here are a few habits to avoid to keep guests happy and at ease. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 3 Sep. 2026

This may put a parent at ease since there isn’t any pressure to agree to buy the hearing aids. — Kansas City Star, 3 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