simple

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.

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

“The architect proposed a simple geometric design that relied on clean lines rather than ornate structural elements.”

B1 · Intermediate

adj. plain and natural; without extra decoration or fancy details.

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

“She wore a simple white dress to the summer party.”

“Despite his immense wealth, he preferred a simple lifestyle, living in a modest cottage far from the city center.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. honest and direct; not trying to trick anyone.

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

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

“Her simple faith in the goodness of others often left her vulnerable to those with more cynical motives.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

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.

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

“He is a simple man who struggles to grasp the nuances of modern political discourse.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Archaic

n. a medicine made from just one type of plant.

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

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

“The medieval apothecary specialized in the preparation of simples, believing that nature provided a specific plant for every human ailment.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Technical · Academic

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.

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

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