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 wasn’t enough to simply watch films; I needed an outlet for all the ways they made me feel and all the ideas they inspired.
From Salon ● Oct. 12, 2026
Customers who get PIP and are classed as having limited mobility can lease a car for no cash upfront—they simply forgo about £320 a month of “enhanced mobility” allowance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
Rather than simply accompanying aging, the loss of Menin appeared capable of helping drive several of its characteristic changes.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026
Benveniste summed up the album’s longevity simply: “Greatness has no shelf life.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026
The hospital—known simply as “Carville”—is the only institution in the US for leprosy patients.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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.
