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simple

adjective
sim·​ple | \ ˈsim-pÉ™l How to pronounce simple (audio) \
simpler\ ˈsim-​p(É™-​)lÉ™r How to pronounce simpler (audio) \; simplest\ ˈsim-​p(É™-​)lÉ™st How to pronounce simplest (audio) \

Definition of simple

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : free from guile : innocent
2a : free from vanity : modest
b : free from ostentation or display a simple outfit
3 : of humble origin or modest position a simple farmer
4a : lacking in knowledge or expertise a simple amateur of the arts
b : lacking in intelligence : stupid
c : not socially or culturally sophisticated : naive also : credulous
5a : sheer, unmixed simple honesty
b : free of secondary complications a simple vitamin deficiency
c(1) : having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses a simple sentence
(2) of a subject or predicate : having no modifiers, complements, or objects
d : constituting a basic element : fundamental
e : not made up of many like units a simple eye
6 : free from elaboration or figuration simple harmony
7a(1) : not subdivided into branches or leaflets a simple stem a simple leaf
(2) : consisting of a single carpel
(3) : developing from a single ovary a simple fruit
b : controlled by a single gene simple inherited characters
8 : not limited or restricted : unconditional a simple obligation
9 : readily understood or performed simple directions the adjustment was simple to make
10 of a statistical hypothesis : specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters — compare composite sense 3

simple

noun

Definition of simple (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a person of humble birth : commoner thought very little of anybody, simples or gentry— Virginia Woolf
b(1) : a rude or credulous person : ignoramus
(2) : simpleton
2a : a medicinal plant
b : a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
3 : one component of a complex specifically : an unanalyzable constituent
Other Words from simple Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about simple

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Other Words from simple

Adjective

simpleness \ ˈsim-​pÉ™l-​nÉ™s How to pronounce simpleness (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for simple

Adjective

simple, foolish, silly, fatuous, asinine mean actually or apparently deficient in intelligence. simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort. considered people simple who had trouble with computers foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense. foolish stunts silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior. the silly antics of revelers fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality. fatuous conspiracy theories asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception. an asinine plot

synonyms see in addition easy

Examples of simple in a Sentence

Adjective

 The solution to the problem was relatively simple. The answer is really quite simple. There are three simple steps to follow. The camera is simple to use. Don't go into too much detail in the report. Just keep it simple and to the point. The melody is very simple. 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.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 How to Stop the Cycle One simple way to feel better? — Madeleine Burry, Good Housekeeping, "7 Self-Help Strategies For When You're Overwhelmed, According to Psychologists," 29 Aug. 2019 The simplest way to intervene, however, is likely with youth. — Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "'We know we have our work cut out for us': Gov. Holcomb unveils plan to combat teen vaping," 29 Aug. 2019 The original film, with a complex, thoughtful and philosophical tone baked in as much as action and a fantastical backdrop, was a bit ahead of its time in terms of the simpler, good-versus-evil fare that characterized fantasy fare three decades ago. — Scott Huver, CNN, "'Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance' rebuilds one of Jim Henson's richest fantasy worlds," 29 Aug. 2019 A quarter century ago, this sport was simple, clean, easily enjoyed, free of selfishness and guile. — Emma Baccellieri, SI.com, "A Brief History of the Many Times Baseball Has Died," 29 Aug. 2019 Microbes are not simple, passive accessories to plants, but dynamic, powerful actors in their own right. — Quanta Magazine, "Soil’s Microbial Market Shows the Ruthless Side of Forests," 27 Aug. 2019

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