simply

adverb

sim·​ply ˈsim-plē 

 for sense 1 also  -pə-lē

1

a

: without ambiguity : clearly

b

: without embellishment : plainly

c

: directly, candidly

2

a

: solely, merely

eats simply to keep alive

simply cleaned it up and went to bed

—Garrison Keillor

b

: really, literally

the concert was simply marvelous

—often used as an intensive

simply crawling with geniuses

—F. Scott Fitzgerald

Synonyms

• only
• just
• purely
• solely
• exclusively

Examples of simply in a Sentence

Simply add water to the mix and stir.

Simply click on the computer icon and follow the directions.

If he continues to bother you, simply ignore him.

You can order new checks simply by calling or going online.

It is simply a matter of time before something goes wrong.

The instructions are simply written.

He lived simply on the farm.

The diner is called simply “Joe's.”

“Sorry, I can't help you,” he said simply.

The problem, put simply, is money.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than simply responding to instructions, the systems demonstrated initiative, persistence, and a rudimentary capacity for self-preservation. —Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

The attacks on law firms and lawyers, even as Chicago’s own Jenner & Block bravely resists, has nonetheless led to other firms with major offices in our city simply capitulating out of avarice or cowardice. —Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

These heavy-duty products are designed for individuals who need additional sweat and odor protection, whether due to hyperhidrosis, a demanding lifestyle, postpartum hormonal changes, or simply genetics. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 29 June 2025

No, the cheat code is simply to make picks at high volume. —Thomas Drance, New York Times, 29 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing simply

• simply connected
• simply ordered

Rhymes for simply

• limply

Kids Definition

simply

adverb

sim·​ply ˈsim-plē 

1

a

: in a clear manner

stated the directions simply

b

: in a plain manner

simply dressed

c

: in a direct manner : candidly

told the story as simply as a child would

2

a

: for nothing more than

eats simply to keep alive

b

: without any question : truly

simply marvelous