simply

American  

[sim-plee] / ˈsɪm pli /

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.

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simply British  

/ ˈsɪmplɪ /

adverb

1. in a simple manner

2. merely; only

3. absolutely; altogether; really

   a simply wonderful holiday

4. (sentence modifier) frankly; candidly

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Etymology

Origin of simply

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

Example Sentences

“It’s not to be a mouthpiece for anybody. It’s simply to be a mouthpiece for fairness and the pursuit of truth.”

From Los Angeles Times

According to the complaint, neither man was affiliated with drug cartels and they were simply hitching a ride back to Trinidad from Venezuela, where they had been engaged in fishing and farm work.

From Barron's

But there is simply not enough evidence yet to say whether they are bad for our health, added the senior author of the new proposal.

From Barron's

Mostly we’ve been eating simply—soups, grains, boiled eggs, and vegetables, that sort of thing.

From Literature

At last I simply say, “We have decided to move to another land.”

From Literature

Related Words

• commonly
• directly
• easily
• honestly
• naturally
• openly
• quietly