Word
simplicity
Phoneticssim·plic·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/sɪmˈpɫɪsəti/
UK/sɪmplˈɪsɪti/
Definitions
01easy to understand
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of being easy to understand or do.
n. the quality of being easy to understand, solve, or use; the absence of difficulty or complexity.
“The simplicity of the instructions made it easy to build the desk in ten minutes.”
“The software's success is largely due to the simplicity of its interface, which allows novice users to perform complex tasks without training.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of'.
Antonyms
02plain style
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a style that is plain, natural, and not decorated.
n. freedom from deceit, affectation, or artificiality; a plainness of style or ornament.
“She chose a dress of elegant simplicity for the wedding.”
“The architect was praised for the stark simplicity of the building, which relied on natural light rather than decorative flourishes.”
Antonyms
03foolishness
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic
n. a lack of intelligence or being too easy to trick.
n. a state of being simple-minded or foolish; a lack of worldly wisdom.
“In his simplicity, he believed every word the stranger told him.”
“The protagonist's tragic downfall was rooted in his own simplicity, as he failed to perceive the political machinations surrounding him.”
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; modern speakers prefer 'naivety' or 'gullibility' to describe this trait.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“From the very first page, Etna's voice is somber and poetic in its simplicity.” “The second movement’s clarinet chorale was played with touching softness and simplicity.” Etymology
From Middle English simplicite, from Old French simplicite, from Latin simplicitās, from simplex (“simple”). See simple. Partially displaced native English onefoldness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/simplicity