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
Explanation
Simplicity is a noun that means "the quality of being plain." The simplicity of your prom dress made you stand out in the sea of ruffles and sequins. Simplicity describes a lack of ornamentation, like a Christmas tree that is only decorated with white lights instead of being fancied up with lots of ornaments, tinsel and multi-colored bulbs. The noun simplicity also means "freedom from hardship or effort" like the simplicity of hanging out on your porch. Simplicity also describes something easy to accomplish or understand.
Vocabulary lists containing simplicity
'Tis A Gift To Be Simple: Words For National Simplicity Day
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"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins
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poems about transcendental thinking
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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.
However, Hart called for "greater clarity and simplicity in the system" and appealed for more people to come forward and report any suspicions of malpractice.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
A mutual fund or ETF offers greater simplicity and convenience.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
It feels like a relic from a bygone age of simplicity: an entire season of reality TV hinging on the social lives of a group of unpolished teenagers.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
Donald Norman anticipated this, warning against designers who would mistake simplicity for good design.
From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026
Throughout the history of music, periods of complication and innovation are followed by periods of simplicity and consolidation, which are then in time followed by more complication again.
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.
