easement
EEZ-munt
/ˈiːz.mənt/
A legal right to cross or otherwise use someone else's land for a specified purpose.
A specific legal property right granted for access or utilities, not full ownership.
The story behind the word. Evolved from Old French 'aisement' (convenience or accommodation). In Anglo-French property law, it came to signify granting convenience to a neighbor or utility by giving them limited legal entry.
Word relationships
- right-of-way: Specifically denotes the right to pass through property, a common subset of easements.
- covenant: A legal agreement governing how land can be used, rather than granting access to others.
- encroachment: Intrusion on a person's territory or rights without permission.
- trespass: Unlawful entry onto another person's real property.
Commonly confused with
- lease: A lease gives exclusive possession of land for time, whereas an easement grants limited right of use alongside the owner.
Word family
- ease (noun/verb): Absence of difficulty or effort.
Collocations
- utility easement
- drainage easement
- grant an easement
- easement rights
Example sentences
- "The utility company obtained an easement allowing them to install power lines across private farmland." Property Law
- "Homeowners must respect the municipal easement along the road boundary when building fences." Urban Development
Memory hook
EASE-ment gives EASE of access across land. Legal permission to pass through.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for simple relaxation or physical comfort.
Fun facts
- Conservation easements permanently restrict land development to protect nature while keeping ownership private.
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