simplify
gb/sˈɪmplɪfˌaɪ/ us/sˈɪmplɪfˌaɪ/
B1
English
~ 4200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Make something easier to understand
To make something easy to understand or do.
Usage pattern:
to simplify [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'simplify' with 'shorten'. 'Simplify' means to make easier, not just to make shorter.
Synonyms
clarify (Focuses more on making meaning clear, often through explanation, rather than reducing complexity.)
|
streamline (Often used for improving efficiency by removing unnecessary elements, especially in processes or systems.)
Antonyms
complicate (Means to make something more difficult or complex.)
Collocations
simplify a process
|simplify a problem
|simplify instructions
|simplify language
|simplify the design
Themes
communication
|education
|problem-solving
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher simplified the instructions so everyone could follow them.
- We need to simplify the process to save time.
- This app simplifies the way you pay your bills.
- He tried to simplify the recipe for beginners.
- The new interface simplifies navigation for users.
Learner examples
- The teacher simplified the test.
- This tool simplifies my work.
- I will simplify the game rules.
- They simplified the plan for us.
- We can simplify the story for children.
Grammar
Dictionary form
simplify
IPA
GB/sˈɪmplɪfˌaɪ/
US/sˈɪmplɪfˌaɪ/
Syllables & stress
sim - pli - fy (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (sim)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: simplify
- 3rd Person Singular: simplifies
- Present Participle: simplifying
- Past: simplified
Word family
Forms
simplifies
verb
simplifying
verb
simplified
verb
Core family
Related words
simplistic
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
complicate
verb B1
Advanced or less common
oversimplify
verb
oversimplification
noun
Expressions
simplify matters
1/sˈɪmplɪfˌaɪ mˈætɚz/
fixed phrase
Make a situation easier
To make a situation easier to deal with or understand.
Examples
- To simplify matters, let's all meet at the same place.
- They decided to use one supplier to simplify matters.
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.