simple
gb/sˈɪmpəl/ us/sˈɪmpəl/
A1
Kiingereza
~ 700
Maana
maana 0
adjective
A1
property
1
Easy to understand or do
Easy to understand or do; not hard.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[something] is simple
Kosa la kawaida:
Learners sometimes confuse 'simple' with 'single'. 'Simple' means not difficult; 'single' means only one.
Visawe
easy (More common in everyday speech; can imply less effort.)
Vinyume
complicated (Implies something has many parts and is harder to understand or do.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
simple task
|simple answer
|simple question
|simple instructions
|simple solution
Mada
daily life
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- The instructions are simple and clear.
- It was a simple question, but nobody knew the answer.
- Cooking this dish is quite simple.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- 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.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[something] is simple
Visawe
plain (Focuses more on lacking decoration or complexity in appearance.)
Vinyume
fancy (Describes something with elaborate design or decoration.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
simple dress
|simple design
|simple style
|simple meal
Mada
daily life
|fashion
|clothing
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- She wore a simple black dress.
- The cabin was furnished in a simple style.
- We had a simple lunch of bread and cheese.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- 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.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[something] is simple
Visawe
basic (Emphasizes the fundamental nature rather than low difficulty.)
Vinyume
complex (Involves many interconnected parts.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
simple machine
|simple structure
|simple system
Mada
science
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- A lever is a simple machine.
- The design is simple yet effective.
- This is a simple circuit with just two components.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- 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.
Muundo wa matumizi:
[someone] lives a simple life
Visawe
modest (Focuses on humbleness rather than ease.)
Vinyume
extravagant (Characterized by excessive spending or luxury.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
simple life
|simple living
Mada
lifestyle
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- 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).
Visawe
slow-witted (More formal and less colloquial than 'simple' in this sense.)
Vinyume
clever (Quick to understand and think of good ideas.)
Miunganiko ya maneno
a bit simple
Mada
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano kwa wanafunzi
- He is a bit simple.
- She is simple and does not see the trick.
- They think I am simple.
Sarufi
Umbo la kamusi
simple
IPA
GB/sˈɪmpəl/
US/sˈɪmpəl/
Silabi na mkazo
simple (silabi 1)
Stress on 1st syllable (simple)
Maumbo ya neno
Adjective
- Base: simple
- Comparative: simpler
- Superlative: simplest
Familia ya neno
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
Semi
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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- 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.
Mifano
- When giving instructions, try to keep it simple.
- The best designs keep it simple for the user.
- Keep it simple so that everyone understands.