simple
gb/sˈɪmpəl/ us/sˈɪmpəl/
A1
English
~ 700
egyszerű, könnyű, dísztelen, szerény, együgyű, buta
A1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is simple
The instructions are simple and clear.
Az utasítások egyszerűek és világosak.
It was a simple question, but nobody knew the answer.
Egyszerű kérdés volt, de senki sem tudta a választ.
Cooking this dish is quite simple.
Learner examples
This game is simple.
Ez a játék egyszerű.
The test is simple.
A teszt könnyű.
Her plan is simple and good.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'simple' with 'single'. 'Simple' means not difficult; 'single' means only one.
Meaning
Easy to understand or do
Collocations
simple task
|simple answer
|simple question
|simple instructions
|simple solution
Synonyms
easy (More common in everyday speech; can imply less effort.)
Antonyms
complicated (Implies something has many parts and is harder to understand or do.)
Themes
daily life
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Easy to understand or do; not hard.
Not difficult to understand, deal with, or carry out.
A2
2
Usage pattern:
[something] is simple
She wore a simple black dress.
Egyszerű fekete ruhát viselt.
The cabin was furnished in a simple style.
A faházat egyszerű stílusban rendezték be.
We had a simple lunch of bread and cheese.
Learner examples
I like your simple shirt.
Tetszik az egyszerű inged.
The room is simple.
A szoba egyszerűen van berendezve.
We eat a simple dinner.
Meaning
Plain in style or appearance
Collocations
simple dress
|simple design
|simple style
|simple meal
Synonyms
plain (Focuses more on lacking decoration or complexity in appearance.)
Antonyms
fancy (Describes something with elaborate design or decoration.)
Themes
daily life
|fashion
|clothing
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Plain and without extra decoration.
Not decorated, fancy, or elaborate.
B1
3
egyszerű
A2
Usage pattern:
[something] is simple
A lever is a simple machine.
Az emelő egy egyszerű gép.
The design is simple yet effective.
A kialakítás egyszerű, mégis hatékony.
This is a simple circuit with just two components.
Learner examples
This is a simple machine.
Ez egy egyszerű gép.
The toy has a simple shape.
A játéknak egyszerű formája van.
We use a simple tool.
Meaning
Having few parts or elements
Collocations
simple machine
|simple structure
|simple system
Synonyms
basic (Emphasizes the fundamental nature rather than low difficulty.)
Antonyms
complex (Involves many interconnected parts.)
Themes
science
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Made of only a few parts.
Made of only a small number of parts; not complex in structure.
B1
4
Usage pattern:
[someone] lives a simple life
They chose to live a simple life in the countryside.
Úgy döntöttek, hogy egyszerű életet élnek vidéken.
He enjoys the simple pleasures of gardening and reading.
Élvezi a kertészkedés és az olvasás egyszerű örömeit.
Her home reflects her simple lifestyle.
Learner examples
I want a simple life.
Egyszerű életre vágyom.
They live a simple life.
Egyszerű életet élnek.
He likes a simple home.
Meaning
Modest in lifestyle or habits
Collocations
simple life
|simple living
Synonyms
modest (Focuses on humbleness rather than ease.)
Antonyms
extravagant (Characterized by excessive spending or luxury.)
Themes
lifestyle
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Living in a modest way without many luxuries.
Living or done in a way that is modest, without unnecessary luxury.
B2
INFORMAL
5
He's a bit simple, so be patient with him.
Kicsit együgyű, ezért légy türelmes vele.
I think she’s too simple to see what’s going on.
Szerintem túl együgyű ahhoz, hogy átlássa, mi folyik.
They treated him as if he were simple.
Learner examples
He is a bit simple.
Ő egy kicsit együgyű.
She is simple and does not see the trick.
Együgyű, és nem veszi észre a trükköt.
They think I am simple.
Meaning
Not very intelligent (informal)
Collocations
a bit simple
Synonyms
slow-witted (More formal and less colloquial than 'simple' in this sense.)
Antonyms
clever (Quick to understand and think of good ideas.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not smart; not showing good thinking (informal).
(Informal) Not very intelligent or lacking common sense.
Grammar
Dictionary form
simple
IPA
GB/sˈɪmpəl/
US/sˈɪmpəl/
Syllables & stress
simple (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (simple)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: simple
- Comparative: simpler
- Superlative: simplest
Word family
Forms
simpler
adjective
simplest
adjective
Core family
Related words
simplification
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
complex
adjective B1
complicated
adjective B1
Advanced or less common
simplistic
adjective C1
oversimplify
verb
Expressions
in simple terms
1/ˈɪn sˈɪmpəl tˈɚmz/
fixed phrase
Explain using easy language and ideas
To say something in an easy way so people can understand it quickly.
Examples
- In simple terms, the law protects consumers from fraud.
- Let me put it in simple terms so everyone understands.
simple as that
1/sˈɪmpəl ˈæz ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
informal
Completely straightforward, nothing more to add
It is very clear and needs no more explanation.
Examples
- You just follow the recipe — simple as that.
- If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. Simple as that.
the simple life
1/ðə sˈɪmpəl lˈaɪf/
fixed phrase
A modest lifestyle without luxury
A way of living without many things, often in the country and close to nature.
Examples
- They moved to the mountains to live the simple life.
- She dreams of the simple life on a farm.
keep it simple
1/kˈip ˈɪt sˈɪmpəl/
fixed phrase
Make something easy to understand or do
Do not make something complicated; make it easy to understand or do.
Examples
- When giving instructions, try to keep it simple.
- The best designs keep it simple for the user.
- Keep it simple so that everyone understands.