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simple

adj. · n.
US //ˈsɪmpəɫ// UK //sˈɪmpəl// sim·ple
  1. 1 easy to do (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    easy to understand or do; not difficult.

    readily understood or performed; presenting no difficulty or requiring little effort.

    Example

    The instructions for the game were very simple and easy to follow.

    Example

    The software features a simple interface designed to minimize the learning curve for new users while maintaining core functionality.
  2. 2 not complex (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    made of only one or a few parts; not complicated.

    consisting of a single element or a few uncomplicated parts; not elaborate or sophisticated.

    Example

    A simple machine like a lever can help you lift heavy objects.

    Example

    The architect proposed a simple geometric design that relied on clean lines rather than ornate structural elements.
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  1. 3 plain or natural (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    plain and natural; without extra decoration or fancy details.

    lacking ornamentation or luxury; characterized by a plain or humble style.

    Example

    She wore a simple white dress to the summer party.

    Example

    Despite his immense wealth, he preferred a simple lifestyle, living in a modest cottage far from the city center.
  2. 4 honest and innocent (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    honest and direct; not trying to trick anyone.

    free from duplicity or guile; characterized by sincerity and straightforwardness.

    Example

    He gave a simple, honest answer to the difficult question.

    Example

    Her simple faith in the goodness of others often left her vulnerable to those with more cynical motives.
  3. 5 foolish (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    not very intelligent or acting in a silly way.

    lacking in mental acuity or common sense; often used as a mild or euphemistic insult.

    Example

    It was a simple mistake, but it cost us the whole afternoon.

    Example

    He is a simple man who struggles to grasp the nuances of modern political discourse.
  4. 6 herbal medicine (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Medicine

    a medicine made from just one type of plant.

    a medicinal herb or a medicine prepared from a single plant source.

    Example

    The old book described how to make a simple from dried lavender.

    Example

    The medieval apothecary specialized in the preparation of simples, believing that nature provided a specific plant for every human ailment.
  5. 7 logic/math (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Academic Math

    a basic idea that cannot be broken down into smaller parts.

    an atomic proposition or a fundamental element that is not composed of other parts.

    Example

    In this logic puzzle, each statement is a simple that is either true or false.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that all complex ideas are ultimately constructed from a finite set of logical simples.
Origin

Inherited from Middle English symple, simple, from Old French simple, from Latin simplex (“simple”, literally “onefold”) (as opposed to duplex (“double”, literally “twofold”)), from semel (“the same”) + plicō (“I fold”). See same and fold. Compare single, singular, simultaneous, etc. Partially displaced native English onefold.

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