sim·ple 
/ˈsɪmpəl/ adjective
sim·pler; sim·plest /ˈsɪmpəl/ adjective [or more simple; most simple] 1 : not hard to understand or do
▪ a simple task ▪ The solution to the problem was relatively simple. ▪ The answer is really quite simple. ▪ a simple [=straightforward] explanation ▪ a simple recipe ▪ There are three simple steps/rules to follow. ▪ The camera is simple to use. ▪ The directions seem simple enough. [=seem fairly simple] ▪ Just press the button. It is as simple as that. = Just press the button. It is that simple. ▪ Don't go into too much detail in the report. Just keep it simple and to the point. 2 : having few parts : not complex or fancy
▪ The engine has a simple [=basic] design. ▪ a simple machine ▪ The melody is very simple. ▪ She wore a simple [=plain, unadorned] black dress. ▪ We don't want to spend a lot of money on the party, so we're keeping it simple. [=we're not having an extravagant party] 3 always used before a noun : not special or unusual : ordinary
▪ simple folks ▪ I'm a simple farmer just trying to make a living. ▪ He enjoys the simple pleasure of spending time with his wife and kids after work. ▪ Relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset is one of life's simple pleasures. 4 always used before a noun : complete and total — used for emphasis ▪ I watch what I eat, but the simple truth is that I can't resist chocolate. ▪ The simple fact is that he did not study for the exam. ▪ I don't want to go for the simple reason that [=because] I'm very tired. 5 grammar, of a sentence : having only one main clause and no additional clauses
▪ “Last summer was unusually hot” is a simple sentence. 6 old-fashioned : not very intelligent
▪ a mentally simple man ▪ She looked at me as if I were simple.
▪ a simple task ▪ The solution to the problem was relatively simple. ▪ The answer is really quite simple. ▪ a simple [=straightforward] explanation ▪ a simple recipe ▪ There are three simple steps/rules to follow. ▪ The camera is simple to use. ▪ The directions seem simple enough. [=seem fairly simple] ▪ Just press the button. It is as simple as that. = Just press the button. It is that simple. ▪ Don't go into too much detail in the report. Just keep it simple and to the point.
▪ The engine has a simple [=basic] design. ▪ a simple machine ▪ The melody is very simple. ▪ She wore a simple [=plain, unadorned] black dress. ▪ We don't want to spend a lot of money on the party, so we're keeping it simple. [=we're not having an extravagant party]
▪ simple folks ▪ I'm a simple farmer just trying to make a living. ▪ He enjoys the simple pleasure of spending time with his wife and kids after work. ▪ Relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset is one of life's simple pleasures.
▪ “Last summer was unusually hot” is a simple sentence.
▪ a mentally simple man ▪ She looked at me as if I were simple.
pure and simple — see pure
the simple life
◊If you live the simple life, you do not own many things or use many modern machines and you usually live in the countryside.
▪ He lives in a small cabin and enjoys the simple life.
▪ He lives in a small cabin and enjoys the simple life.
