# simplicity

/sɪmˈpɫɪsəti/ (US) · /sɪmplˈɪsɪti/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. easy to understand

noun · CEFR B2

the quality of being easy to understand or do.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. plain style

noun · CEFR B2

a style that is plain, natural, and not decorated.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. foolishness

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a lack of intelligence or being too easy to trick.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity.
- The software's main selling point is its simplicity, allowing users to set up their accounts in seconds.
- Architects of the modernist movement often prioritised functional simplicity over the ornate decorations that had defined previous centuries of building design.

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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.