simplicity
Americannoun
plural
simplicities-
the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.
-
freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts.
an organism of great simplicity.
-
absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness.
a life of simplicity.
-
freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; artlessness; naturalness.
a simplicity of manner.
- Synonyms:
- honesty, directness, candor
-
lack of mental acuteness or shrewdness.
Politics is not a field for simplicity about human nature.
noun
Other Word Forms
- nonsimplicity noun
- oversimplicity noun
- supersimplicity noun
Etymology
Origin of simplicity
1325–75; Middle English simplicite (< Old French simplicité ) < Latin simplicitās simpleness, equivalent to simplici- (stem of simplex ) simplex + -tās -ty 2
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.
Donald Norman anticipated this, warning against designers who would mistake simplicity for good design.
From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026
For them, labor was a spiritual act, function guided form, beauty lay in simplicity, and well-designed objects need never change.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
The initial idea came from a personal interest Rigden had in watching YouTube videos of people power washing and the "simplicity of seeing dirt turn to cleanliness".
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
“Companies are clearly prioritizing focus, scale and simplicity as they respond to shifting consumption patterns, trade pressures and slower demand,” said Ed Brown, chair of Burr and Forman’s Food and Beverage practice.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
It is a charming, gentle tune that appeals precisely because of its simplicity.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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.
