simply

American  

[sim-plee] / ˈsɪm pli /

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.

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simply British  

/ ˈsɪmplɪ /

adverb

1. in a simple manner

2. merely; only

3. absolutely; altogether; really

   a simply wonderful holiday

4. (sentence modifier) frankly; candidly

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Etymology

Origin of simply

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

Example Sentences

Critics say students will simply turn to private lenders, which tend to offer less-generous repayment options.

From The Wall Street Journal

People with musical anhedonia can recognize and process melodies without difficulty, showing that the auditory system itself is functioning normally -- they simply do not feel pleasure from the experience.

From Science Daily

"But it simply doesn't provide enough force to explain what we see."

From Science Daily

"That capability lets us move from simply finding unusual spin textures to intentionally designing and optimizing them for future information and quantum technologies."

From Science Daily

Put simply, this was the year that the NFL’s Wild Card weekend lived up to its billing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• commonly
• directly
• easily
• honestly
• naturally
• openly
• quietly