simply

[sim-plee]

adverb

1. in a simple manner; clearly and easily.

2. plainly; unaffectedly.

3. sincerely; artlessly.

   to speak simply as a child.

4. merely; only.

   It is simply a cold.

5. unwisely; foolishly.

   If you behave simply toward him, you're bound to be betrayed.

6. wholly; absolutely.

   simply irresistible.

simply

/ ˈsɪmplɪ /

adverb

1. in a simple manner

2. merely; only

3. absolutely; altogether; really

   a simply wonderful holiday

4. (sentence modifier) frankly; candidly

Word History and Origins

Origin of simply¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, simply is from the Middle English word simpleliche. See simple, -ly

Example Sentences

She simply saw the job as a means to earn an income.

From BBC

But the bottom line, lawyers said, is they simply don’t have much evidence, if any, for most of the decades-old claims.

From Los Angeles Times

It's impossible to cordon off entire beaches – ocean conditions are too strong and would simply wash the nets away.

From BBC

The actor has since rehomed the two adult dogs and their three puppies, the statement said, adding “the liability of keeping them was simply too great.”

From Los Angeles Times

By the second half of the season, Betts finally stopped thinking his way through the shortstop position, and developed a comfort level that allowed him to simply play it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commonly 
• directly 
• easily 
• honestly 
• naturally 
• openly www.thesaurus.com
• quietly