ENGLISH
REFERENCE

simply

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsɪmpɫi// UK //sˈɪmpli// sim·ply General-service

adv. in a way that is easy to understand or do. You also use it to emphasize that something is completely true or that there is only one reason for something.

adv. in a plain or uncomplicated manner; also used as an intensifier to mean 'absolutely' or 'merely'.


SIMPLE

She explained the rules simply so everyone understood.

CONTEXTUAL

The instructions are written simply to ensure that even a beginner can assemble the furniture without help.

COMPLEX

The decision was simply a matter of economics, as the rising costs of raw materials made the previous production model unsustainable for the small firm.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English symply, symplely; equivalent to simple + -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.

Usage

When used for emphasis, it typically precedes the verb or adjective it modifies; as a manner adverb, it follows the verb or object.

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