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

• alone
• exclusively
• just
• only
• purely
• solely

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

Projecting Nitrate Safely Today, the majority of films created on nitrate simply no longer exist, and those that do have to be carefully stored. —Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

The new service — dubbed simply ESPN, like its flagship linear network — will surface ahead of the NFL’s next play cycle, and Disney aims to convince customers to bundle it with other broadband offerings like Disney+ and Hulu. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 June 2025

The 'tactical' part is what makes things more interesting than simply scrolling up and down menus. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 June 2025

Without this program, called Invest in Kids, there was simply no money for their families to be able to cover tuition. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 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