simple
5 ENTRIES FOUND:
simpler;
simplest
simpler;
simplest
Britannica Dictionary definition of SIMPLE
[or more simple; most simple]
1
:
not hard to understand or do
-
a simple task
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The solution to the problem was relatively simple.
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The answer is really quite simple.
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a simple [=straightforward] explanation
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a simple recipe
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There are three simple steps/rules to follow.
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The camera is simple to use.
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The directions seem simple enough. [=seem fairly simple]
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Just press the button. It is as simple as that. = Just press the button. It is that simple.
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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
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The engine has a simple [=basic] design.
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a simple machine
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The melody is very simple.
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She wore a simple [=plain, unadorned] black dress.
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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
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I'm a simple farmer just trying to make a living.
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He enjoys the simple pleasure of spending time with his wife and kids after work.
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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
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I watch what I eat, but the simple truth is that I can't resist chocolate.
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The simple fact is that he did not study for the exam.
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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
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“Last summer was unusually hot” is a simple sentence.
6
old-fashioned
:
not very intelligent
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a mentally simple man
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She looked at me as if I were simple.
pure and simple
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.
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He lives in a small cabin and enjoys the simple life.
