Simplify

/ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/

verbmediumVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To make something simpler or easier to do or understand.

/ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/

verbneutralmedium
General

To make something easier to understand or do.

The chef simplified the recipe by using fewer ingredients.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're explaining a game to a friend. If you *simplify* it, you break it down into the easiest steps so they can play without getting confused. It’s about making things less complicated!

👶 For kids: To make something easier to understand or do.

More Examples

2

Can you please simplify the instructions so I can understand them?

3

The company aims to simplify its procedures to improve efficiency.

How It's Used

Education

"The teacher simplified the complex scientific concept for the students."

Technology

"The software aims to simplify the user interface."

Finance

"The financial advisor helped to simplify the investment portfolio."

From Middle French simplifier, from Latin simplex ('simple') + -fy ('to make').

The word 'simplify' has been used since the 17th century to denote the action of making things easier.

Memory tip

Think of a *simpler* version of something to remember the word's meaning.

Word Origin

Root: simplex

Suffix: -fy

simplefysimplifiesimplifiy

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written