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

There’s a small kitchenette and landing with a dining table, nice for a morning coffee or simply the feeling of having a little more space. — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

This simply exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

As computing systems become more power-intensive, choosing a site is no longer simply a real-estate decision. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

Wholesale is part of the plan, although Roshchin sees physical retail as an opportunity to give the product context rather than simply adding points of sale. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 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