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

Some were there to view the vast assortment of works on display; others may have been simply seeking refuge from Manhattan’s frigid temperatures.

From Salon

Despite the bonus shares, investors are better off with the European shares—or simply waiting until the U.S. fund is trading at a potential discount before buying in.

From Barron's

Together, these clues suggest that the Sun's present location is not simply coincidental.

From Science Daily

"For decades, NMG has not simply been a media company. It has functioned as part of East Africa's democratic infrastructure," he wrote in a post on LinkedIn.

From BBC

Plus, gloves, helmets, elbow guards, leg protectors, arm sleeves, sliding mitts, cleats, turf shoes, the coolest sunglasses, Bruce Bolt batting gloves, fluorescent batting grips, socks, pants, belts and garments known simply as “ice-cream shorts.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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