Easy On the Eyes – Origin and Meaning

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Prepare your peepers, my friends, as I go into detail and explain the meaning behind the phrase “easy on the eyes.” It’s fairly self-explanatory, but I have a few key details you should know. So, hang around for a moment and check out my breakdown of the phrase “easy on the eyes.”

Easy on the Eyes Meaning Explained

Easy On the Eyes Origin Meaning

In English, we use the expression to show that someone (or something) is visually appealing or just pleasant to look at. It can be applied to anyone or anything, really. My beautiful book covers are easy on the eyes, Jason Momoa is easy on the eyes, and even a gorgeous view can be considered easy on the eyes.

A similar phrase, “easy on the ears,” is what you’d say if something sounds lovely or someone has a soothing voice.

Origin of Easy on the Eyes

There’s no real root origin for the phrase. It just kind of worked its way into the English language during the 1900s. But it derives from a similar but much older phrase, “a sight for sore eyes,” which means the same thing. You can use both to describe something beautiful, but “easy on the eyes” is more casual and modern.

Is Easy on the Eyes a Compliment?

In most cases, yes! Being described as “easy on the eyes” by anyone is usually considered a compliment. So, if someone says you’re easy on the eyes, take it as a form of flattery!

Easy on the Eyes Synonyms

Looking for a few ideas to switch up your wording? These synonyms for easy on the eyes will work in any of the same contexts.

  • Pleasing to the eye
  • Visually appealing
  • Attractive
  • Good-looking
  • Gorgeous
  • Beautiful
  • Handsome
  • Pretty
  • Pleasant on the eyes

Easy on the Eyes Examples in a Sentence

Easy On the Eyes Origin Meaning 1

Now it’s time for some deeper context, so let’s have a look at some sentences that use the phrase.

  • She couldn’t help but stare at the handsome stranger across the room, who was undeniably easy on the eyes, as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and sipped from a glass of bourbon.
  • Our brand-new office was functional and easy on the eyes, with towering glass windows that bring in a ton of natural light.
  • It was hard to deny that the view from our lake house was easy on the eyes.
  • My grandmother’s garden, filled with colorful flowers and thick greenery, was certainly easy on the eyes.
  • I’m setting you up with my brother; he’s super smart and easy on the eyes.
  • The sun setting over the ocean across the harbor was a breathtaking sight, easy on the eyes and soothing to my soul.
  • Your father was so easy on the eyes when we were younger, as I’m sure I was, too.

Go Easy on Me

Now that you understand the meaning and how to use it, hearing the phrase “easy on the eyes” makes much more sense. Doesn’t it? So, whenever you hear it, take it as a compliment or use it to make someone else’s day!