# simple

/ˈsɪmpəɫ/ (US) · /sˈɪmpəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/simple
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. easy to do

adjective · CEFR A1

easy to understand or do; not difficult.

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

- The instructions for the game were very simple and easy to follow.
- The software features a simple interface designed to minimize the learning curve for new users while maintaining core functionality.

### 2. not complex

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. plain or natural

adjective · CEFR B1

plain and natural; without extra decoration or fancy details.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. honest and innocent

adjective · CEFR B2

honest and direct; not trying to trick anyone.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. foolish

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

not very intelligent or acting in a silly way.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. herbal medicine

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a medicine made from just one type of plant.

For teachers: 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.

### 7. logic/math

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The instructions for the game are very simple.
- She prefers a simple breakfast of toast and coffee before she starts her busy workday.
- While the underlying mathematical proof is quite rigorous, the professor provided a simple analogy to help the students grasp the core concept.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.