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

Alternatively, users can simply describe their fashion goals or outline specific needs for upcoming events. —Jon Stojan, USA Today, 13 May 2025

The traditional accounting career path—four or five years of school, a 150-hour licensure requirement and long hours in a rigid work environment—simply isn’t aligned with what the next generation of professionals wants. —Paul Peterson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

The Weitz brothers, credited as the series’ sole writers, hew close to Wells’ source material for their adaptation, but there simply isn’t enough story to fill 10 episodes, even at around 25 minutes each. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 May 2025

Most of those detained last year were simply exercising their right to protest, Amelia Jones, a professor and vice dean of faculty and research at USC’s Roski School of Art and Design, wrote in a statement to The Times. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 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