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, naiveté

b

: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a

: directness of expression : clarity

b

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Synonyms

• plainness
• unsophistication

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions.

the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

The simplicity of pressure washing leads many to dismiss it as a side hustle rather than a scalable business. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

For minimalist interior designers, there’s beauty in simplicity and restraint. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025

Yet starting in the 16th century, the tea master Sen Rikyu formalized the elaborate process of a tea ceremony—including the aesthetic architecture of spaces, the philosophy of wabi, which encourages simplicity and humility, and utilization of objects from various places in Asia. —Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

When opting for a dress option that won’t break the bank, simplicity in design is best. —Adam Mansuroglu, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2025

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