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

While the focus for now remains on small unmanned vehicles, the researchers hope to eventually simplify their findings enough to apply them to larger aircraft too. — New Atlas, 2 July 2026

Stock up on essentials that simplify cooking, like this meat thermometer that’s under $15 and these cute Martha Stewart oven mitts. — Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

The company says the approach could simplify construction while using the surrounding water column to help maintain operating pressure and cooling. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

How to make an iPhone a 'dumb phone' To simplify an iPhone, users should engage Assistive Access, an iOS feature intended for users with cognitive disabilities. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 7 July 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