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.
One cousin might spend a career building the family business while the others simply collect dividends; one might live near the family beach house and end up overseeing every repair.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026
"We are not criminals. We simply want a better life for our parents and ourselves. We do not want to leave Albania," 18-year-old Ledia told AFP.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
That conversation serves as the meat and bones of “Hurricane Seasons,” in which Puerto Rico isn’t simply a location.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
But it says it wants a clear commitment to action by ministers, rather than simply saying they will look further at what needs to be done.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 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
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
