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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | 'plain, uncomplicated', from Latin simplus, from sim- 'one' + -plus 'multiplied by' |
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sim‧ple S1 W1
comparative simpler, superlative simplest
comparative simpler, superlative simplest1 not difficult or complicated to do or understand : a simple but effective solution to the problem There is no simple answer to this question. We can't pay people any more money until the company is more profitable. I'm afraid it's as simple as that.
easy
a simple but effective solution to the problemThere is no simple answer to this question.We can't pay people any more money until the company is more profitable. I'm afraid it's as simple as that.2 made in a plain style, without a lot of decoration or unnecessary things added : She dressed with simple elegance. simple but delicious food a building constructed in a simple, classic style
plain
She dressed with simple elegance.simple but delicious fooda building constructed in a simple, classic style3 used to emphasize that only one thing is involved : Completing the race is not just a simple matter of physical fitness.
only
[usually before noun]Completing the race is not just a simple matter of physical fitness.4 made or built of only a few parts, and not having a complicated structure : It's a very simple machine. They evolved from simple life forms that existed millions of years ago.
not having many parts
It's a very simple machine.They evolved from simple life forms that existed millions of years ago.5 honest and ordinary and not special in any way : Joe was just a simple farmer.
ordinary
Joe was just a simple farmer.6 simple tenses are not formed with an auxiliary such as 'have' or 'be'
grammar
technical8 someone who is simple is not very intelligent : I'm afraid Luke's a bit simple.
stupid
[not before noun]I'm afraid Luke's a bit simple.WORD FOCUS: easy WORD FOCUS: easy
easy to do: simple, not difficult
very easy to do: be a piece of cake, be child's play, be a snap American English, be a doddle British English, anyone can do it, be like falling off a log informal
easy to use: user-friendly
easy job: cushy informal
➔ See also easy
WORD FOCUS: easy easy to do: simple, not difficult
very easy to do: be a piece of cake, be child's play, be a snap American English, be a doddle British English, anyone can do it, be like falling off a log informal
easy to use: user-friendly
easy job: cushy informal
➔ See also easy
