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

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

“Instead of simply giving up, we are going to keep assets rolling by using asset-management techniques,” he said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Put simply, Pogacar has the racecraft and strength to accelerate away from, and outlast, any opponent in almost any race.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Companies may post these “ghost jobs” simply to collect resumes or as a way to signal growth.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

By comparing how participants described their daily experiences and their dreams, the researchers found that the brain does not simply replay waking life during sleep.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

He still chatted and joked as usual, but his mouth had no bitter twist to it, and he was often content simply to sit quietly, poking lazily at the fire.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

Related Words

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