Definition of simple
simpler
play \ˈsim-p(ə-)lər\;simplest
play \ˈsim-p(ə-)ləst\1 : free from guile : innocent
2a : free from vanity : modestb : free from ostentation or display a simple outfit
3 : of humble origin or modest position a simple farmer
4a : lacking in knowledge or expertise a simple amateur of the artsb (1) : stupid (2) : mentally retardedc : not socially or culturally sophisticated : naive; also : credulous
5a : sheer, unmixed simple honestyb : free of secondary complications a simple vitamin deficiencyc (1) : having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses a simple sentence (2) of a subject or predicate : having no modifiers, complements, or objectsd : constituting a basic element : fundamentale : not made up of many like units a simple eye
6 : free from elaboration or figuration simple harmony
7a (1) : not subdivided into branches or leaflets a simple stem a simple leaf (2) : consisting of a single carpel (3) : developing from a single ovary a simple fruitb : controlled by a single gene simple inherited characters
8 : not limited or restricted : unconditional a simple obligation
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Examples of simple in a Sentence
The solution to the problem was relatively simple.
The answer is really quite simple.
There are three simple steps to follow.
The camera is simple to use.
Don't go into too much detail in the report. Just keep it simple and to the point.
The melody is very simple.
I'm a simple farmer just trying to make a living.
He enjoys the simple pleasure of spending time with his wife and kids after work.
Relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset is one of life's simple pleasures.
Recent Examples of simple from the Web
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But the question on everyone’s mind for the 31-year-old is simple: what’s next?
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Citing the Model X’s complexity and initial difficulties, Musk said Tesla has intentionally kept initial builds of the Model 3 very simple—and much closer to the model’s claimed $35,000 base price than earlier suspected.
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ANAHEIM, Calif. — Edwin Diaz’s return to a save situation wouldn’t be simple.
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To give jam her own twist, Mary has also moved far beyond simple grape or strawberry flavors.
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Forget everything the physicists have said: Traveling back in time is super simple.
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The idea is very simple, but how to heighten the idea?
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Maybe not as daring as the Plank Challenge or as painful as Kylie Jenner's Lip Challenge but a simple, fun way to contribute to the arts in our community.
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Our thoughts can range from simple to highly complex.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'simple'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Synonym Discussion of simple
synonyms see in addition easy
simple
Definition of simple
1a : a person of humble birth : commoner thought very little of anybody, simples or gentry — Virginia Woolfb (1) : a rude or credulous person : ignoramus (2) : a mentally retarded person
2a : a medicinal plantb : a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
3 : one component of a complex; specifically : an unanalyzable constituent
Recent Examples of simple from the Web
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Sturgeon is wisely kept simple, accompanied by dill sauce and celery-root puree.
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The reason is simple: The males need to defend themselves and their group against potential challengers.
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Its mission is simple: define the state of accessible technology in smart cities worldwide and focus on closing the gap for the elderly and disabled.
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Lauderdale, Florida, Barbara had the kind of relationship with her older brother, John, that transcended simple, compulsory familial ties.
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The solution seems simple: send him away for the summer to live with Abuela.
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Keep your a.m. routine simple with a mascara that does everything in a single swipe, like L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara.
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A half-dozen tech startups that emerged from the 2007-09 recession — among them data-center manager Puppet and online banker Simple — appeared to have the city on its way to changing its image.
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Given that every candidate was handpicked by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s Guardian Council, the answer is simple: Nothing good.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'simple'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of simple
14th century
SIMPLE Defined for English Language Learners
simple
playDefinition of simple for English Language Learners
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: not hard to understand or do
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: having few parts : not complex or fancy
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: not special or unusual
SIMPLE Defined for Kids
simple
playDefinition of simple for Students
simpler
;simplest
1 : not hard to understand or solve a simple task
2 : 1easy 1, straightforward a simple explanation
3 : lacking in education, experience, or intelligence The queen was really a simple soul and always … had done nothing except state the overly obvious. — Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux
4 : not complex or fancy She wore simple clothing.
6 : not rich or important simple folk
7 : without qualification : sheer the simple truth
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of simple
simpler
\-p(ə-)lər\play ;simplest
\-p(ə-)ləst\play1: free from complexity or difficulty: asa: easily treated or cured a simple vitamin deficiencyb: controlled by a single gene simple inherited characters
2: of, relating to, or being an epithelium in which the cells are arranged in a single layer
simple
Medical Definition of simple
1: a medicinal plant
2: a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
Law Dictionary
simple
Legal Definition of simple
1 : oral or written but not under seal or of record
2 : not extreme, aggravated, or complicated simple kidnapping
3 : having no limitations or restrictions — see also fee simple
simply
adverbLearn More about simple
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See words that rhyme with simple Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for simple Spanish Central: Translation of simple Nglish: Translation of simple for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of simple for Arabic speakers
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