simply

[sim-plee]

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.

simply

/ ˈsɪmplɪ /

adverb

1. in a simple manner

2. merely; only

3. absolutely; altogether; really

   a simply wonderful holiday

4. (sentence modifier) frankly; candidly

Word History and Origins

Origin of simply¹

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

Example Sentences

They talk past each other like speeding spaceships, continually smashing into the same blockade: Teddy simply doesn’t believe that Michelle is a person.

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The difference here is the possibility for the government to take a stake in the companies, rather than simply supporting them with contract awards.

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He does what doctors routinely do, but he also lobbies in Oklahoma City in front of politicians who all look like they wish the man would simply go away.

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It is true that basing a fiction on a lot of arcane knowledge runs the risk of leaving the uninitiated confused or simply unengaged.

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Instead, he seems simply to flatter and indulge Springsteen at every turn.

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Related Words

• commonly 
• directly 
• easily 
• honestly 
• naturally 
• openly www.thesaurus.com
• quietly