simply
gb/sˈɪmpli/ us/sˈɪmpli/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
In an easy or basic way
In a way that is easy to do or understand.
Usage pattern:
to [verb] [something] simply
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'simply' with 'simple' when describing a noun. 'Simply' modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, not nouns.
Synonyms
plainly (Emphasizes clarity and lack of complexity, sometimes with a slightly blunt tone.)
Antonyms
complicatedly (Describes doing something in a complex or difficult way, opposite of straightforwardly.)
Collocations
explain simply
|put simply
|state simply
|live simply
|express simply
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She explained the process simply so everyone could understand.
- The instructions are written simply and clearly.
- He lives simply, without many possessions.
- Just put it simply: we can't afford it.
- You should try to express your ideas more simply.
Learner examples
- She spoke simply to the children.
- He told the story simply.
- I like to live simply.
- The teacher explained simply.
- Please write simply.
adverb
B1
property
2
With nothing extra or unnecessary
Without extra things or decoration; plain.
Synonyms
plainly (Focuses on appearance or style being simple or undecorated.)
Antonyms
elaborately (Means with a lot of detail, decoration, or complexity.)
Collocations
dress simply
|live simply
|decorate simply
|furnished simply
Themes
daily life
|lifestyle
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The room was furnished simply but comfortably.
- She dresses simply but elegantly.
- They celebrated the wedding simply, with close friends and family.
- He prefers to eat simply, without rich sauces.
- The ceremony was conducted simply and quietly.
Learner examples
- The house is furnished simply.
- She wears clothes simply.
- We eat simply at home.
- He lives simply in the country.
- The party was done simply.
adverb
B1
property
3
Used for emphasis of truth or importance
Used to say something is very true or important.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'simply' for emphasis in formal writing where 'absolutely' or 'definitely' might be more suitable.
Synonyms
absolutely (Stronger and more formal emphasis than 'simply'.)
Antonyms
partly (Suggests something is only partly true, opposite of full emphasis.)
Collocations
simply the best
|simply cannot
|simply amazing
|simply wrong
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This is simply the best cake I've ever tasted.
- I simply cannot believe it!
- It's simply not possible to finish today.
- She is simply amazing at what she does.
- That statement is simply wrong.
Learner examples
- This is simply the best movie.
- I simply cannot do it.
- It is simply not true.
- She is simply great.
- He is simply wrong.
adverb
B1
relation
4
Only or just, nothing more
Only; nothing more than this.
Synonyms
merely ('Merely' can sound more formal or dismissive than 'simply'.)
Antonyms
more than (Indicates something beyond what is stated.)
Collocations
simply because
|simply want
|simply need
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I'm not angry; I simply want an explanation.
- He left simply because he was tired.
- It's not complicated — it's simply a matter of time.
- She didn't win by luck; she simply worked harder than anyone else.
- We stayed home simply because it was raining.
Learner examples
- I am happy simply because you are here.
- He left simply to rest.
- It is simply a game.
- She works hard simply to help her family.
- We stayed inside simply because it rained.
Grammar
Dictionary form
simply
IPA
GB/sˈɪmpli/
US/sˈɪmpli/
Syllables & stress
simply (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (simply)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: simply
- Plural: simplies
Word family
Forms
simplies
noun
Core family
Related words
simplification
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
simplistic
adjective C1
Expressions
live simply
1/lˈɪv sˈɪmpli/
fixed phrase
Live with few possessions and needs
To live without many things, in a plain way.
Examples
- They choose to live simply in the countryside.
- He lives simply, growing his own food and making his own clothes.
put it simply
1/pˈʊt ˈɪt sˈɪmpli/
fixed phrase
Explain in a basic way
To explain something in a short and easy way.
Examples
- To put it simply, we can’t continue this project without more funding.
- Put it simply: you need more practice.
quite simply
1/kwˈaɪt sˈɪmpli/
fixed phrase
In an obvious and undeniable way
Used to show that something is clear and cannot be denied.
Examples
- She is quite simply the best singer in the country.
- Quite simply, we have no choice but to leave.