Word
simply
Phoneticssim·ply, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɪmpɫi/
UK/sˈɪmpli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01in an easy way
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a way that is easy to do or understand.
adv. in a straightforward or uncomplicated manner; without complexity.
“The instructions were written simply so that anyone could follow them.”
“The professor explained the quantum theory simply, ensuring that even the first-year students could grasp the fundamental concepts.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb it modifies.
Antonyms
02just or merely
B1 · Intermediate
adv. used to say that something is only what you mention and nothing more.
adv. functioning as a focus adverb to indicate that the following statement is the only relevant factor.
Español:simplemente
“I am simply asking for a little bit of help with these bags.”
“The delay was simply a matter of bad timing rather than a failure of the logistical system.”
Usage
Typically placed before the word or phrase it emphasizes.
03absolutely
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to emphasize what you are saying, meaning 'completely' or 'really'.
adv. used as an intensifier to emphasize the truth or extremity of a statement.
“The view from the top of the mountain was simply beautiful.”
“The performance was simply magnificent, leaving the audience in a state of stunned silence before the final applause.”
Usage
Commonly used before adjectives to add emotional emphasis.
Synonyms
04plainly or without decoration
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a plain way, without extra decoration or expensive things.
adv. in a modest or unadorned style; without luxury or ornamentation.
“She preferred to dress simply in a white shirt and blue jeans.”
“The room was furnished simply, reflecting the monk's commitment to a life free from material distractions.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “simply” in context.
Verb
01. simply achieve
“You can simply achieve your goals by working hard every day.”
adv + verb
02. simply assume
“We cannot simply assume that the project will be finished on time.”
adv + verb
03. simply consist
“The test will simply consist of twenty multiple-choice questions.”
adv + verb
04. simply can't
05. simply cannot
06. simply don't
07. simply too
08. simply wouldn't
09. simply reacting
10. simply stop
11. simply won't
12. rejection simply
Real-World Examples
“Putting aside whether it's innovative or simply iterative, Simplify works, according to Google's stats.” Etymology
From Middle English symply, symplely; equivalent to simple + -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Grammar
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/simply
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0