What is easily? Pronunciation and usage in English

easily means . Learn how to pronounce and use easily through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of easily

easilyadverb

/ˈiːzɪli/
Definition & pronunciation of easily

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "easily" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • "e" (as in "bed"): This is a short, unstressed "e" sound.
  • "a" (as in "father"): This is the “father” sound.
  • "z" (as in "zebra"): This is a voiced "z" sound – you feel your tongue vibrate when you say it.
  • "i" (as in "machine"): This is a long "i" sound.
  • "ly" (as in "lovely"): This is a common –ly ending that indicates an adverb.

2. Putting it Together - The Breakdown

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to blend those sounds:

  • "e-a-z-i-ly" – Say each syllable distinctly first.

  • Emphasis: The main stress is on the first syllable: "E-a-z-i-ly".

  • The "z" sound: Ensure you're making a clear, voiced "z" sound. Don't just say "ee-zily."

  • The “ly” sound: Make sure the "ly" at the end is clearly pronounced.

3. Listen to examples:

It's really helpful to hear how it's done. Here are some resources:

4. Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them:

  • Saying "ee-zily": This is probably the most common mistake. Remember it's "e-a-z-i-ly."
  • Dropping the "ly": Don’t forget that ending!
  • Not pronouncing the "z" clearly: Practice making a distinct "z" sound.

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation varies slightly by region).
  • What specifically are you finding difficult about the word? (e.g., the 'z' sound, the rhythm of the word)?

Usage and examples with the word easily in English

Let's break down how to use the word "easily" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. Meaning 1: With Little Effort or Difficulty

This is the most common usage. "Easily" describes something that's done without much struggle or effort.

  • Example: "She easily solved the complex math problem." (She didn't have to work hard to solve it.)
  • Example: "He easily ran a mile." (He wasn't struggling while running.)
  • Example: "The instructions were easily understood." (They weren't confusing.)

2. Meaning 2: Without Trouble or Problems

It can also describe a situation that happens without any difficulties.

  • Example: "The package arrived easily." (It didn’t get damaged or delayed.)
  • Example: "He easily found a parking spot." (There weren't many cars around.)
  • Example: "The meeting was easily concluded." (It ended quickly and smoothly.)

3. Used to Emphasize a Surprising Lack of Difficulty

Sometimes, "easily" is used to highlight how surprisingly simple something was.

  • Example: "I thought it would be much harder, but I finished the project easily." (You expected it to be difficult, but it wasn’t.)

4. Followed by "Adapt to" or "Adjust to"

This is a specific and important usage. It means to adjust to something quickly and comfortably.

  • Example: "He easily adapted to the new city." (He wasn't having trouble getting used to it.)
  • Example: "The children easily adjusted to the change in routine." (They didn't resist the change.)

Key Points & Common Mistakes:

  • Adverb: “Easily” is an adverb – it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It answers the question “How?” or “To what extent?”
  • Don’t confuse with “easy”: “Easy” is an adjective - it describes a noun (e.g., “an easy task”). You wouldn’t say “He did the task easily.” You'd say, “He did the task easily.”
  • Don't overuse it: While "easily" is useful, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Sometimes, describing the effort involved is more vivid.

Let's test your understanding:

Fill in the blanks with "easily" or "easy":

  1. The train journey was ______ .
  2. The cake was ______ to bake.
  3. She learned to play the piano ______ .
  4. The problem was ______ solved.

Answers:

  1. easily
  2. easy
  3. easily
  4. easily

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific situation where you’d like to use “easily”?
  • Explain how “easily” differs from other similar words like "quickly" or "simply"?

Practice with vocabulary easily

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the clear instructions, the new intern was able to grasp the complex workflow ______.
  2. Despite its sophisticated features, the software allows users to navigate and customize settings ______ thanks to its intuitive design.
  3. The company aims to provide its services ______ to customers in remote areas, ensuring accessibility for all.
  4. Before implementing the new system, it's crucial to identify potential bottlenecks and address them ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The updated regulations make it possible for small businesses to comply with environmental standards ______. a) with great difficulty b) easily c) hardly d) simply

  2. When presenting complex data, the analyst managed to convey the key insights ______ to the entire team. a) effortlessly b) with much effort c) easily d) convolutedly

  3. Employees found that submitting their reports online allowed them to complete the task much more ______ than the previous paper-based method. a) quickly b) conveniently c) easily d) tediously

  4. Despite the tight deadline, the project team managed to deliver the prototype ______. a) rapidly b) sluggishly c) quickly d) painstakingly

  5. To ensure the success of the merger, the integration of the two company cultures must be handled ______. a) smoothly b) abruptly c) carefully d) clumsily

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It was quite challenging for new employees to get accustomed to the company's internal communication system. Rewrite: (Start with "The company's internal communication system...")

  2. Original: Students had no trouble accessing the digital archives for their research papers. Rewrite: (Start with "Students could...")

  3. Original: The transition from the old software to the new one occurred without any significant hitches or delays. Rewrite: (Start with "The transition from the old software to the new one proceeded...")


Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the clear instructions, the new intern was able to grasp the complex workflow easily.
  2. Despite its sophisticated features, the software allows users to navigate and customize settings easily thanks to its intuitive design.
  3. The company aims to provide its services readily to customers in remote areas, ensuring accessibility for all.
  4. Before implementing the new system, it's crucial to identify potential bottlenecks and address them proactively.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) easily, d) simply
  2. a) effortlessly, c) easily
  3. b) conveniently, c) easily
  4. a) rapidly, c) quickly
  5. a) smoothly, c) carefully

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It was quite challenging for new employees to get accustomed to the company's internal communication system. Rewrite: The company's internal communication system could now be understood easily by new employees after the recent update.
  2. Original: Students had no trouble accessing the digital archives for their research papers. Rewrite: Students could easily access the digital archives for their research papers.
  3. Original: The transition from the old software to the new one occurred without any significant hitches or delays. Rewrite: The transition from the old software to the new one proceeded smoothly without any significant hitches or delays.

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