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.
To her owners, Gelsomina is simply a beloved pet who is growing increasingly detached and unwell.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
The experiments also showed that the brain's memory system responded to the nutritional content of food, not simply to how pleasant or sweet it tasted.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026
How that change affects company returns matters more than rising interest rates, which are simply a sign of demand for capital as households spend money, banks lend and companies invest, he said.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026
The proposition’s supporters did not want to see a zero-sum game — where new arts money simply replaced existing arts money.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
It would be easier to forget everything if I simply never went back.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions 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.
