simple
gb/sˈɪmpəl/ us/sˈɪmpəl/
A1
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A1
property
1
Easy to understand or do
Easy to understand or do; not hard.
Usage pattern:
[something] is simple
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'simple' with 'single'. 'Simple' means not difficult; 'single' means only one.
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.)
Collocations
simple task
|simple answer
|simple question
|simple instructions
|simple solution
Themes
daily life
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The instructions are simple and clear.
- It was a simple question, but nobody knew the answer.
- Cooking this dish is quite simple.
Learner examples
- This game is simple.
- The test is simple.
- Her plan is simple and good.
adjective
A2
property
2
Plain in style or appearance
Plain and without extra decoration.
Usage pattern:
[something] is simple
Synonyms
plain (Focuses more on lacking decoration or complexity in appearance.)
Antonyms
fancy (Describes something with elaborate design or decoration.)
Collocations
simple dress
|simple design
|simple style
|simple meal
Themes
daily life
|fashion
|clothing
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She wore a simple black dress.
- The cabin was furnished in a simple style.
- We had a simple lunch of bread and cheese.
Learner examples
- I like your simple shirt.
- The room is simple.
- We eat a simple dinner.
adjective
B1
property
3
Having few parts or elements
Made of only a few parts.
Usage pattern:
[something] is simple
Synonyms
basic (Emphasizes the fundamental nature rather than low difficulty.)
Antonyms
complex (Involves many interconnected parts.)
Collocations
simple machine
|simple structure
|simple system
Themes
science
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- A lever is a simple machine.
- The design is simple yet effective.
- This is a simple circuit with just two components.
Learner examples
- This is a simple machine.
- The toy has a simple shape.
- We use a simple tool.
adjective
B1
property
4
Modest in lifestyle or habits
Living in a modest way without many luxuries.
Usage pattern:
[someone] lives a simple life
Synonyms
modest (Focuses on humbleness rather than ease.)
Antonyms
extravagant (Characterized by excessive spending or luxury.)
Collocations
simple life
|simple living
Themes
lifestyle
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They chose to live a simple life in the countryside.
- He enjoys the simple pleasures of gardening and reading.
- Her home reflects her simple lifestyle.
Learner examples
- I want a simple life.
- They live a simple life.
- He likes a simple home.
adjective
informal
B2
property
5
Not very intelligent (informal)
Not smart; not showing good thinking (informal).
Synonyms
slow-witted (More formal and less colloquial than 'simple' in this sense.)
Antonyms
clever (Quick to understand and think of good ideas.)
Collocations
a bit simple
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He's a bit simple, so be patient with him.
- I think she’s too simple to see what’s going on.
- They treated him as if he were simple.
Learner examples
- He is a bit simple.
- She is simple and does not see the trick.
- They think I am simple.
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.