simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē 

-ˈpli-stē

plural simplicities

1

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

2

a

: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naivete

b

: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a

: directness of expression : clarity

b

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Synonyms of simplicity

• plainness
• unity
• uniformity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions.

the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the past decade, that simplicity won over 100 million users and made Notion the tool of choice for solopreneurs and more than half of Fortune 500 companies. —Ellen Sheng, CNBC, 19 May 2026

His advice for men starting from scratch is a model of French simplicity. —Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

For Gilles, the mission was to be as truthful as possible, to find something in himself that was that guy — Jean Moulin — and keep a certain simplicity. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2026

Its power lies in its simplicity, trusting readers to feel the weight between the lines. —Rocky Callen, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing simplicity

• for simplicity's sake
• for the sake of simplicity
• simplicity itself

Rhymes for simplicity

• basicity
• chronicity
• complicity
• cyclicity
• duplicity
• ethnicity
• facticity
• felicity
• helicity
• plasticity
• publicity
• rusticity

Kids Definition

simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural simplicities

1

: the quality or state of being simple

2

: honesty, straightforwardness

3

a

: clearness of expression

b

: the quality or state of being plain

4

: folly sense 1, silliness