simply
Americanadverb
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in a simple manner; clearly and easily.
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plainly; unaffectedly.
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sincerely; artlessly.
to speak simply as a child.
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merely; only.
It is simply a cold.
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unwisely; foolishly.
If you behave simply toward him, you're bound to be betrayed.
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wholly; absolutely.
simply irresistible.
adverb
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in a simple manner
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merely; only
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absolutely; altogether; really
a simply wonderful holiday
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(sentence modifier) frankly; candidly
Etymology
Origin of simply
First recorded in 1250–1300, simply is from the Middle English word simpleliche. See simple, -ly
Explanation
When you want something done in a straightforward and easy way without unnecessary complications, extras, or complexities, you want it done simply. The adverb simply comes from the word simple, meaning "clear, easy, or uncomplicated." A recipe written simply uses basic steps that are easy to follow, while a room simply decorated might have just a table and chairs without any extra decorations or unnecessary furniture. Simply can also be used in a way similar to the word only as in "I'm simply asking a question."
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.
It was simply his casual, almost juvenile, way of speaking that left me questioning whether he was the right fit for us.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026
Many big food manufacturers such as Danone and Nestlé have adopted it widely, but some brands – especially where they'd score poorly - simply opt out.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
The company is undergoing major restructuring, with rumors that future consoles may simply be PC-like devices that launch Steam.
From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2026
Those who want to defy us militarily simply ignore what is negotiated.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
As for Christoffels, he had simply and astonishingly expanded.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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.
