Simply

'sɪmplɪ

adverbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

In a plain, easy, or uncomplicated way.

'sɪmplɪ

adverbneutralBeginner
General

In a simple or straightforward manner.

The instructions were simply explained.

💡 Simply: It's like saying something is super easy to do or understand. Imagine you're baking a cake, and the recipe says, 'Simply mix all the ingredients.' That means it's not complicated!

👶 For kids: It means doing something easy or plain.

More Examples

2

I simply couldn't believe it.

3

He simply ignored the problem.

How It's Used

General

"He simply walked away."

Instruction

"Simply add water and stir."

2

Used to emphasize something or to express that something is very true or real.

'sɪmplɪ

adverbpositiveBeginner
General

Absolutely; completely; entirely.

I am simply thrilled to be here.

💡 Simply: It means 'really' or 'totally!' Like, if you say, 'That movie was simply the best!', you're saying it was AMAZING.

👶 For kids: It means 'really' or 'very'.

More Examples

2

She was simply devastated by the news.

3

The view was simply breathtaking.

How It's Used

Emphasis

"I simply adore her."

Exaggeration

"It's simply amazing!"

Tip:Think of the word 'absolutely'
3

Used to indicate that you mean only what you are saying and nothing more.

'sɪmplɪ

adverbneutralmedium
General

Without anything else added.

I simply wanted to say hello.

💡 Simply: When you want to make it clear there's no hidden meaning or other things involved. Like, 'I simply want a piece of cake,' which means you only want cake and nothing else!

👶 For kids: It means only.

More Examples

2

We are simply trying to understand.

3

I simply need a break.

How It's Used

Clarification

"I simply want to help."

Reassurance

"I am simply asking for your opinion."

Tip:Think of clarifying what is only.

Idioms & expressions

simply put

In short; to put it in a concise way.

"Simply put, we're out of time."

simply because

For no other reason.

"I did it simply because I wanted to."

From Middle English 'simply', from Old French 'semplement' (in the same manner), from Latin 'simplex' (single, plain).

The word 'simply' has been used since the Middle Ages and has evolved from meaning 'single' or 'uncomplicated' to its current emphasis on ease and emphasis.

Memory tip

Think of 'plainly', as in, 'plainly and simply'.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"single, plain"

simply putsimply becausesimply amazingsimply wantsimply stated

Common misspellings

simlysimpply

Usage

0.6%Spoken
0.4%Written