simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē 

-ˈpli-stē

plural simplicities

1

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

2

a

: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naivete

b

: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a

: directness of expression : clarity

b

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Synonyms of simplicity

• plainness
• unity
• uniformity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions.

the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

The potatoes are parcooked in the microwave, then finished in a grill basket, a technique that impressed our test kitchen with its simplicity. —Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 15 May 2026

When hot weather calls for simplicity, reach for these linen shorts. —Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026

But the idea at the heart of Curry Barker’s new horror film, Obsession, has an endearingly adolescent, back-to-basics simplicity. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 May 2026

The process of freeing these components from basalt looks more like a refining or recycling process than the toss-it-in-the-oven simplicity of the limestone process. —Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing simplicity

• for simplicity's sake
• for the sake of simplicity
• simplicity itself

Rhymes for simplicity

• basicity
• chronicity
• complicity
• cyclicity
• duplicity
• ethnicity
• facticity
• felicity
• helicity
• plasticity
• publicity
• rusticity

Kids Definition

simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural simplicities

1

: the quality or state of being simple

2

: honesty, straightforwardness

3

a

: clearness of expression

b

: the quality or state of being plain

4

: folly sense 1, silliness