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 of simply

• only
• just
• purely
• solely
• exclusively

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

But the other movie, which is far more interesting and significant, is the one that demonstrates, simply by virtue of its existence, what some of the possibilities might be for the use of AI within the world of feature filmmaking. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 June 2026

Appointments are not necessary to simply walk through the shelter, according to the city’s news release. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026

What distinguishes Ryan is not simply his talent, but his unwavering dedication to meaningful, adventurous filmmaking. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 June 2026

That’s because, as the following pages demonstrate, true luxury isn’t about simply having the most expensive materials or the most laborious construction, but rather about having a distinct point of view. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

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