simple

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Easy to understand, do, or use; not complicated or difficult.

   Grammar: Gradable: simpler, simplest; used before nouns and after linking verbs.

   Patterns

   • simple to use
   • a simple question
   • simple enough
   • simple and clear

   The recipe is simple enough for a beginner to follow.

   Please give me a simple yes-or-no answer.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Plain in style or decoration, without anything extra or elaborate.

   Grammar: Used before nouns or after linking verbs; can be graded: quite simple, very simple.

   Patterns

   • a simple dress
   • simple design
   • simple meal

   She wore a simple black dress to the ceremony.

   We had a simple meal of bread, cheese, and soup.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   Used to emphasize a basic fact or the plain truth of a situation.

   Grammar: Always before a singular noun in this sense: the simple fact, a simple truth.

   Patterns

   • the simple fact
   • the simple truth
   • a simple question of

   The simple fact is that we cannot afford the trip this year.

   It's a simple matter of fairness — everyone should pay the same.

4. 4adjectivenot comparabledisapproving

   Not intelligent or mentally developed; lacking sophistication.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb; can sound insulting, so use with care.

   Patterns

   • a simple man
   • simple-minded

   The novel portrays him as a simple farmer with no interest in city ways.

   Calling someone simple to their face is rude and old-fashioned.

Word forms

Common combinations

a simple question

Let me ask you a simple question about your plans.

simple to use

The app is simple to use, even for older people.

the simple fact

The simple fact remains that we missed the deadline.

keep it simple

For the presentation, keep it simple and focus on three main points.

Synonyms and how they differ

easy

Easy stresses low effort; simple stresses a lack of complexity — a task can be simple in concept but not easy to do.

plain

Plain emphasizes lack of decoration and matches sense 2 more than sense 1.

straightforward

Straightforward means direct and uncomplicated, often about procedures or people.

basic

Basic means at the simplest level, sometimes with a negative sense of being too limited.

Opposites

Word family

simply adverb

In a simple way; also used for emphasis: 'simply impossible.'

simplicity noun

The quality of being simple or uncomplicated.

simplify verb

To make something simpler or easier to understand.

simplistic adjective

Overly simple, ignoring real complexity; often negative.

Commonly confused: simple or simplistic? simple or single?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “simple”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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