First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1simple
adjective sim·ple \ˈsim-pəl\
: not hard to understand or do
: having few parts : not complex or fancy
: not special or unusual
sim·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ sim·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\
Full Definition of SIMPLE
1
: free from guile : innocent
2
a : free from vanity : modest b : free from ostentation or display <a simple outfit>
3
: of humble origin or modest position <a simple farmer>
4
5
a : sheer, unmixed <simple honesty> b : free of secondary complications <a simple vitamin deficiency> c (1) : having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses <a simple sentence> (2) of a subject or predicate : having no modifiers, complements, or objects d : constituting a basic element : fundamental e : not made up of many like units <a simple eye>
6
: free from elaboration or figuration <simple harmony>
7
a (1) : not subdivided into branches or leaflets <a simple stem> <a simple leaf> (2) : consisting of a single carpel (3) : developing from a single ovary <a simple fruit> b : controlled by a single gene <simple inherited characters>
8
: not limited or restricted : unconditional <a simple obligation>
9
: readily understood or performed <simple directions> <the adjustment was simple to make>
10
of a statistical hypothesis : specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters — compare composite 3
— sim·ple·ness \-pəl-nəs\ noun
See simple defined for English-language learners
See simple defined for kids
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Origin of SIMPLE
Related to SIMPLE
- Synonyms
- bald, bare, naked, plain-vanilla, plain, unadorned, undecorated, unembellished, unornamented, unvarnished
- Antonyms
- adorned, decorated, embellished, fancy, ornamented
Synonym Discussion of SIMPLE
simple, foolish, silly, fatuous, asinine mean actually or apparently deficient in intelligence. simple implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort <considered people simple who had trouble with computers>. foolish implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense <foolish stunts>. silly suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior <the silly antics of revelers>. fatuous implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality <fatuous conspiracy theories>. asinine suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception <an asinine plot>.
synonyms see in addition easy
2simple
noun
Definition of SIMPLE
1
2
a : a medicinal plant b : a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
3
: one component of a complex; specifically : an unanalyzable constituent
First Known Use of SIMPLE
14th century
SIMPLE Defined for Kids
simple
adjective sim·ple \ˈsim-pəl\
sim·plersim·plest
Definition of SIMPLE for Kids
1
: not hard to understand or solve <a simple task>
2
: 1easy 1, straightforward <a simple explanation>
3
: lacking in education, experience, or intelligence <The queen was really a simple soul and always … had done nothing except state the overly obvious. — Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux>
4
: not complex or fancy <She wore simple clothing.>
6
: not rich or important <simple folk>
7
: without qualification : sheer <the simple truth>
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