# simpler

/ˈsɪmpəɫɝ/ (US) · /sˈɪmplɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/simpler
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. easier or less complex

adjective · CEFR A1

easier to do, understand, or use than something else.

For teachers: the comparative form of 'simple', indicating a greater degree of ease or a lower level of complexity.

- The new instructions are much simpler to follow than the old ones.
- The engineers sought a simpler solution to the mechanical failure, as the initial proposal was far too expensive to implement.

Usage: Followed by 'than' when comparing two specific things.

Teaching tip: Learners often produce the double comparative 'more simpler'; remind them that '-er' replaces the need for 'more'.

### 2. a herbalist

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

an old word for a person who grows or collects plants for medicine.

For teachers: a person who collects or grows medicinal herbs (simples).

- In the old story, a simpler lived in the woods and made tea from wild flowers.
- The village simpler was often consulted for her knowledge of local flora before the arrival of the town's first trained physician.

Usage: Rarely encountered outside of historical fiction or botanical history.

Teaching tip: This sense is extremely rare in modern English; students will likely only see it in period literature.

## Examples

- This new phone is much simpler to use.
- The teacher provided a simpler explanation for the students who were struggling with the math problem.
- By removing redundant steps from the manufacturing process, the engineers created a simpler workflow that significantly reduced the margin for human error.

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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.