at ease

The phrase 'at ease' is versatile, used both in everyday language to describe a relaxed state and in military contexts as a command for a less rigid stance.

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Definition

B2General

(common)In a relaxed and comfortable state, free from anxiety or stress.

Example

  • She felt at ease in her new job.
  • His friendly attitude put everyone at ease.

C1Military

(technical)A command allowing soldiers to relax from a formal stance, typically with feet apart and hands behind the back, while maintaining silence and staying in place.

Example

  • The officer ordered the troops to stand at ease.
  • After standing at attention for hours, the soldiers were relieved to be at ease.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "at ease":

ill at easeat peaceat leisureat peace withtake it easyease upat restfree and easyfeel freechilled outat libertyin peaceno worriescomfort zonecool outgo easy