simplify
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to make less complicated, clearer, or easier
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maths to reduce (an equation, fraction, etc) to a simpler form by cancellation of common factors, regrouping of terms in the same variable, etc
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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nonsimplificationnoun
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simplificationnoun
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simplificatornoun
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simplifiernoun
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supersimplifyverb (used with object)
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simplificativeadjective
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unsimplifiedadjective
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unsimplifyingadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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simplifysimple
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simplifiessimple
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have simplifiedperfect
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has simplifiedperfect
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am simplifyingprogressive
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are simplifyingprogressive
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is simplifyingprogressive
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have been simplifyingperfect progressive
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has been simplifyingperfect progressive
Past
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simplifiedsimple
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had simplifiedperfect
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was simplifyingprogressive
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were simplifyingprogressive
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had been simplifyingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of simplify
First recorded in 1645–55; from French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificāre “to make simple,” equivalent to Latin simpli-, combining form of simplus simple + -ficāre -fy
Explanation
To simplify something is to make it less complex and easier to understand. When you simplify, you make things clearer. Since simple things have less parts or complexity, when you simplify, you're eliminating the clutter and reducing something to its essence. For example, if a speech is long and confusing, the person giving it might need to simplify their ideas: make them clearer. Teachers are good at simplifying; they take complex ideas and make them easier for students to understand. If you don't understand what someone is telling you, ask them to simplify it.
Vocabulary lists containing simplify
Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 8
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Algebra
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Algebra
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Plans to simplify the classic logo and modernise store interiors sparked fierce resistance from loyal diners who argued the changes stripped away the brand's nostalgic Southern charm.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
As part of its accelerated plan, Albertsons is consolidating its 11 divisions into four geographical regions in an effort to simplify its operating structure.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The charity Endometriosis UK says the average waiting time for a diagnosis in Scotland is more than 10 years, and new research from the University of Edinburgh hopes to simplify this process.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
To greatly simplify, the 14th Amendment was originally a response to a Supreme Court decision, the Dred Scott case, that said freed Black slaves could not be U.S. citizens.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
“You simplify everything, being without understanding. Your views are so limited it is impossible to explain to you.”
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
This simplifies assembly and could make large-scale manufacturing more practical.
From Science Daily ● May 31, 2026
NordVPN offers a SmartPlay feature, which simplifies streaming on smart TVs, gaming consoles and devices like the Fire TV Stick.
From Salon ● Mar. 27, 2026
Adobe and Nvidia also plan to collaborate on Nvidia NemoClaw, an open-source stack that simplifies running the autonomous AI always-on agent OpenClaw more safely with a single command.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026
In her Help Me Retire column, Alessandra Malito helped a MarketWatch reader by explaining how Social Security simplifies the process of applying for spousal, individual or survivor benefits.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 13, 2026
The table greatly simplifies a complex mass of historical facts: see the text for some of the many important caveats.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Toy maker Hasbro has simplified packaging for its action figures and board games.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Changing energy supplier and tariff has also been simplified by regulator Ofgem, but there are some key things to check, including:
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026
The “standard” anatomy shown in textbooks is therefore best understood not as a universal blueprint, but as a simplified reference point within a wide biological range.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 21, 2026
The length dropped from nearly 350 words to just 132 and the overall tone and language were simplified.
From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026
To change this, he promoted simplified harmonies that made the melody the most prominent aspect of the music, and downgraded the importance of the other vocal parts to support the melody.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
“We are simplifying the organization, strengthening leadership, enforcing accountability and aligning our structure with the priorities that matter most: customers, quality, and innovation,” Napoli said in a statement.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
The use of flat metasurfaces removes the need for precise alignment of external optical components, simplifying packaging and deployment compared with many existing terahertz systems.
From Science Daily ● May 31, 2026
Díaz does not invite listeners in by simplifying himself; he simply invites them to trust the chef.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026
The company recently called 2026 a “rebuilding year” and launched a turnaround effort known as “Project Fresh,” aimed at improving value perception, simplifying promotions, remodeling restaurants, upgrading operations, and introducing more menu innovation.
From Barron's ● May 20, 2026
Though Gogol doesn’t know it, even Nikolai Gogol renamed himself, simplifying his surname at the age of twenty-two from Gogol-Yanovsky to Gogol upon publication in the Literary Gazette.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
