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.
In order to separate from the pack, it’s not enough to simply find the most gifted players.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026
"Put simply it's one down, more to go," the statement said.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
By combining the two types of information, researchers can distinguish between the effects of human-built infrastructure and the effects caused simply by people being physically present.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 28, 2026
"Others may feel that we should simply keep quiet about this and try to be conciliatory, because of the United States' aggressiveness toward Greenland."
From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026
Sela and I agreed, without speaking a word, that the friendship would never happen, simply because our moms wanted it.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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.
