simplicity

American  

[sim-plis-i-tee] / sɪmˈplɪs ɪ ti /

noun

plural

simplicities

1. the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.

2. freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts.

   an organism of great simplicity.

3. absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness.

   a life of simplicity.

4. freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; artlessness; naturalness.

   a simplicity of manner.

   Synonyms:

   honesty, directness, candor

5. lack of mental acuteness or shrewdness.

   Politics is not a field for simplicity about human nature.

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simplicity British  

/ sɪmˈplɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being simple

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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

The direct-address simplicity of the production serves the fluidity of Page’s performance.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the archaic language, it has the simplicity of a sea shanty.

From The Wall Street Journal

But rather than opting out and choosing simplicity over affordability, I suggest a different solution: Marry someone who doesn’t mind these small battles and is adept at finding a good deal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those measures have the virtue of simplicity — they’re only three pages long — but the drawback, also, of simplicity.

From Los Angeles Times

The work reinforces the idea that water -- despite its apparent simplicity -- continues to reveal unexpected and remarkable behaviors under extreme conditions.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• candor
• clarity
• directness
• integrity
• modesty
• purity
• restraint
• unity