Definition

Noun: A comfortable, padded armchair designed for relaxation. It typically has a high back, armrests, and is often upholstered in soft fabric.

Usage

The term "easy chair" is used to describe a specific type of armchair that prioritizes comfort and ease. It is a common piece of furniture in living rooms, studies, or reading nooks. It is often used for activities like reading, watching television, or resting.

Examples

• After a long day, he sank into his favorite easy chair with a book.
• The living room was furnished with a sofa and a matching easy chair.
• She moved the easy chair closer to the fireplace to stay warm.

Advanced Usage

• "Settle into an easy chair": This phrase emphasizes the act of relaxing comfortably into the chair.
  • He settled into the easy chair and soon fell asleep.
• The term can imply a sense of personal ownership or a favorite spot.
  • That's grandfather's easy chair; he sits there every evening.

Variants and Related Words

• Armchair: A chair with side supports for the arms. While all easy chairs are armchairs, not all armchairs are as deeply padded or explicitly designed for maximum comfort as an "easy chair."
• Recliner: A type of upholstered armchair that can tilt back and often has a footrest that extends. A recliner is a specific, mechanical kind of easy chair.
• Lounge chair: A comfortable chair for relaxing; it may or may not have arms.

Synonyms

• Armchair
• Lounger
• Fireside chair (when placed by a fireplace)

Antonyms

• Stool (a simple seat without a back or arms)
• Bench (a long, hard seat for multiple people)
• Dining chair (a chair designed for use at a table, typically less padded)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The seat of honor": While not exclusive to an easy chair, a particularly comfortable or prominent easy chair might be referred to this way in a home.
  • Uncle Joe always gets the seat of honor—the big easy chair by the window.

Noun

1. a comfortable upholstered armchair