simplify

1 of 2

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

simplified; simplifying

transitive verb

: to make simple or simpler: such as

a

: to reduce to basic essentials

b

: to diminish in scope or complexity : streamline

was urged to simplify management procedures

c

: to make more intelligible : clarify

simplification

ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

simplifier

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

simplification

2 of 2

noun

sim·​pli·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌsimpləfə̇ˈkāshən 

plural -s

: an act, process, or result of simplifying: such as

a

: the elimination of superfluous detail in art : abstraction, generalization

the public understands … his subtle and beautiful simplifications down to essential form as part of the great tradition of sculpture

—Aline B. Saarinen

b

: the reduction or elimination of complexity or multiplicity : streamlining

simplification of the control panel of an airplane

product-line simplification is equally applicable to wholesale and retail businesses

c(1)

: the reduction of a double consonant to a single one (as in Latin vacilo for vacillo)

(2)

: the elision of silent letters (as in gram for gramme) compare contraction sense 4

d

: simplism

Synonyms of simplify

Verb

• streamline

Examples of simplify in a Sentence

Verb

Microwave ovens have simplified cooking.

The new software should simplify the process.

The forms have been simplified.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

To estimates that roughly 30% of customers are non-Asian, many drawn by the growing popularity of Asian cuisine and the convenience of prepared sauces, seasonings and pantry staples that simplify home cooking. — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

McDonald’s says these tools are intended to simplify restaurant operations and free employees to spend more time serving customers. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

The team then examined whether the material could simplify battery recycling. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Kyle's prompt asks AI to simplify the language and explain arguments for and against a measure. — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple

Noun

Medieval Latin simplificatus (past participle of simplificare) + English -ion

First Known Use

Verb

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for simplify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

simplify

verb

sim·​pli·​fy ˈsim-plə-ˌfī 

simplified; simplifying

: to make simple or simpler

simplification

ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

simplifier

ˈsim-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun