Simple
/ˈsɪmpəl/
Definitions
3 meaningsEasy to understand or do; not complex or complicated.
/ˈsɪmpəl/
Easy to understand or do; not complicated
The recipe is very simple.
💡 Simply: Imagine something's super easy, like riding a bike after you've practiced a lot. That's simple! Think of a simple recipe – it doesn't have too many steps!
👶 For kids: Easy to understand or do.
More Examples
The solution to the problem is quite simple.
She prefers a simple lifestyle.
How It's Used
"The instructions are simple to follow."
"A simple interface makes the app user-friendly."
Not elaborate or showy; plain.
/ˈsɪmpəl/
Not elaborate or showy; plain
He prefers a simple style of clothing.
💡 Simply: Think of your favorite t-shirt and jeans, that's simple! It's not fancy or covered in glitter; it's just easy and comfy.
👶 For kids: Not fancy, plain.
More Examples
The restaurant had a simple, clean decor.
She enjoyed the simple beauty of nature.
How It's Used
"She wore a simple dress to the party."
"The minimalist design features simple lines and colors."
Not composed of more than one part.
/ˈsɪmpəl/
The simple pendulum only swings back and forth.
💡 Simply: A 'simple' thing in this sense is like a single ingredient in a recipe, not multiple ones mixed together!
👶 For kids: Just one part, not many.
More Examples
A simple machine like a lever makes work easier.
The experiment used a simple chemical reaction.
How It's Used
"A simple substance cannot be broken down into other substances."
"Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
simple as that
Used to indicate that something is extremely easy or straightforward.
"Just add water and mix – simple as that!"
keep it simple
To avoid unnecessary complexity; to focus on the essential elements.
"Let's keep it simple, and just order pizza tonight."
From Old French "simple," from Latin "simplex" meaning "single, onefold." It evolved to describe things that are not complex or complicated.
The word "simple" has been used for centuries, with its meaning evolving from a focus on singleness to a broader sense of ease and lack of complexity, as seen in the evolution of Latin 'simplex' and Old French 'simple'.
Memory tip
Think of a simple math problem, like 1+1 = 2 - easy!
Word Origin
"single, onefold"