simplicity
gb/sɪmplˈɪsɪti/ us/sɪmplˈɪsɪti/
B1
English
~ 3200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
property
1
Ease of understanding or doing
When something is easy to understand or do.
Usage pattern:
the simplicity of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'simplicity' with 'simple', using 'simple' where the noun form is needed.
Synonyms
clarity (Focuses more on being clear rather than easy.)
|
plainness (Emphasizes lack of complexity, sometimes with a negative tone.)
Antonyms
complexity (Opposite in meaning; refers to being complicated or difficult to understand.)
Collocations
simplicity of design
|simplicity of use
|beauty in simplicity
|simplicity itself
Themes
daily life
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The simplicity of the instructions made the project much easier.
- I admire the simplicity of her writing style.
- This app is popular for its simplicity and speed.
Learner examples
- The game has simplicity and is fun.
- I like the simplicity of this phone.
- The rules have great simplicity.
Noun
B2
property
2
Plainness or lack of luxury
A way of living or style that is plain and not full of extra things.
Usage pattern:
live in simplicity
Synonyms
frugality (Emphasizes careful use of money rather than plainness itself.)
|
austerity (Implies strictness and self-denial, often stronger than simplicity.)
Antonyms
luxury (Refers to great comfort and expensive things, opposite of plain living.)
Collocations
live in simplicity
|choose simplicity
|simplicity of lifestyle
Themes
lifestyle
|values
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They live in simplicity, growing their own food.
- The room's simplicity gave it a peaceful atmosphere.
- She chose simplicity over extravagance for her wedding.
Learner examples
- He lives in simplicity in the countryside.
- I like the simplicity of her home.
- They enjoy a life of simplicity.
Noun
B2
property
3
Naturalness and sincerity
When someone is honest and natural, not trying to impress others.
Synonyms
genuineness (Focuses on truthfulness and authenticity.)
|
humility (Emphasizes modesty rather than naturalness.)
Antonyms
pretentiousness (The quality of trying to seem more important or impressive than you are.)
Collocations
childlike simplicity
|simplicity of character
Themes
personality
|values
|emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I was touched by the simplicity of his words.
- Her simplicity makes her easy to talk to.
- There was a simplicity in his manner that everyone liked.
Learner examples
- I like her simplicity and kindness.
- His simplicity makes him friendly.
- She talks with simplicity and honesty.
Grammar
Dictionary form
simplicity
IPA
GB/sɪmplˈɪsɪti/
US/sɪmplˈɪsɪti/
Syllables & stress
sim - pli - city (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pli)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: simplicity
- Plural: simplicities, simplicity
Word family
Forms
simplicities
noun
Related words
simplification
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
complex
adjective B1
complexity
noun B2
Advanced or less common
Expressions
beauty in simplicity
1/bjˈuti ˈɪn sɪmplˈɪsɪti/
fixed phrase
Plain things can be beautiful
The idea that simple things can be beautiful.
Examples
- Her dress showed the beauty in simplicity.
- This design proves there is beauty in simplicity.
in all simplicity
1/ˈɪn ˈɔl sɪmplˈɪsɪti/
fixed phrase
In a straightforward way
In a very honest and straightforward way, without trying to hide anything.
Examples
- He spoke in all simplicity about his mistakes.
- She explained the plan in all simplicity.