English Reference

Word

simplest

Phoneticssim·plest

US/ˈsɪmpɫəst/

UK/sˈɪmpləst/

Definition

adj. the easiest to do or understand. You use this when comparing three or more things to find the one that is the least difficult or complicated.

adj. the superlative form of 'simple', indicating the highest degree of ease, lack of complexity, or plainness among a group of items.

Examples

“The simplest way to get there is by bus.”

“After trying several difficult methods, we found that the simplest solution worked the best.”

“In scientific research, the principle of parsimony suggests that the simplest explanation that fits all the available data is usually the most likely to be correct.”

Examples

simple

“The simplest way to get there is by bus.”

contextual

“After trying several difficult methods, we found that the simplest solution worked the best.”

complex

“In scientific research, the principle of parsimony suggests that the simplest explanation that fits all the available data is usually the most likely to be correct.”

Usage

Superlative form; typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.

Pitfall

the most simplest

the simplest

Do not use 'most' with adjectives that already have an '-est' ending.

This entry

Level
A1 · Beginner
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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