simple
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.easy to understand or do; not difficult.
adj.readily understood or performed; presenting no difficulty or requiring little effort.
Simple“The instructions for the game were very simple and easy to follow.”
In context“The software features a simple interface designed to minimize the learning curve for new users while maintaining core functionality.”
Synonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
adj.made of only one or a few parts; not complicated.
adj.consisting of a single element or a few uncomplicated parts; not elaborate or sophisticated.
Simple“A simple machine like a lever can help you lift heavy objects.”
In context“The architect proposed a simple geometric design that relied on clean lines rather than ornate structural elements.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.plain and natural; without extra decoration or fancy details.
adj.lacking ornamentation or luxury; characterized by a plain or humble style.
Simple“She wore a simple white dress to the summer party.”
In context“Despite his immense wealth, he preferred a simple lifestyle, living in a modest cottage far from the city center.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.honest and direct; not trying to trick anyone.
adj.free from duplicity or guile; characterized by sincerity and straightforwardness.
Simple“He gave a simple, honest answer to the difficult question.”
In context“Her simple faith in the goodness of others often left her vulnerable to those with more cynical motives.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not very intelligent or acting in a silly way.
adj.lacking in mental acuity or common sense; often used as a mild or euphemistic insult.
Simple“It was a simple mistake, but it cost us the whole afternoon.”
In context“He is a simple man who struggles to grasp the nuances of modern political discourse.”
- 06 C2 Proficiency
n.a medicine made from just one type of plant.
n.a medicinal herb or a medicine prepared from a single plant source.
Simple“The old book described how to make a simple from dried lavender.”
In context“The medieval apothecary specialized in the preparation of simples, believing that nature provided a specific plant for every human ailment.”
- 07 C2 Proficiency
n.a basic idea that cannot be broken down into smaller parts.
n.an atomic proposition or a fundamental element that is not composed of other parts.
Simple“In this logic puzzle, each statement is a simple that is either true or false.”
In context“The philosopher argued that all complex ideas are ultimately constructed from a finite set of logical simples.”
Usage simple terms · simple act · simple idea
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.