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

• 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

Others speculated that Bowie could have Old English Sheepdog in his genes, while many simply focused on his cuteness. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025

To thrive, organizations cannot simply react. —Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

To create a cozier space, simply layer on throw blankets and pillows in different colors and patterns to your couches and chairs. —Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025

The law allows anyone from the community to challenge a book simply by filling out a form, at which point the school is mandated to remove that book within five days. —James B. Blasingame, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 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