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adv A2 Elementary Very common

simply

SIHMP-lee

Simply (adv) means In a simple, plain, or uncomplicated way. Example: “She was dressed simply, in jeans and a t-shirt.”

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adv
1
In a simple, plain, or uncomplicated way.
"She was dressed simply, in jeans and a t-shirt."
2
Used to mean "just" or "merely," emphasizing that nothing more is involved.
"I simply wanted to say thank you."
"It's simply a matter of time."
3
Used for emphasis, meaning "absolutely" or "completely."
"The view from the top was simply breathtaking."

How to use simply

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn a simple manner, or just/merely, or (for emphasis) absolutely.

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Word forms

Comparative
more simply
Superlative
most simply
Test yourself on “simply” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was dressed _____, in jeans and a t-shirt.

Etymology

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

Origin: Middle English

plainly clearly straightforwardly modestly unpretentiously but just only merely

Related words

Rhymes for simply

See all rhymes for simply →

Frequently asked questions

What does “simply” mean?

The word “simply” means in a simple, plain, or uncomplicated way. In plain terms, in a simple manner, or just/merely, or (for emphasis) absolutely.

How do you pronounce “simply”?

“Simply” is pronounced SIHMP-lee (/ˈsɪmpli/ in IPA).

How do you use “simply” in a sentence?

Here is “simply” used in a sentence: “She was dressed simply, in jeans and a t-shirt.”

What part of speech is “simply”?

“Simply” is an adverb.

Is “simply” a common word?

“Simply” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “simply” have?

“Simply” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a simple, plain, or uncomplicated way.

What is the difference between simple and simply?

Simple is an adjective that describes a noun — a simple plan, a simple meal. Simply is an adverb that describes how an action is done — she explained it simply, he lives simply. If you are describing a thing, use simple; if you are describing the manner of an action, use simply.

How do you use 'simply' in a sentence?

Use it to show that something is done in a plain, clear or uncomplicated way: 'She dressed simply,' 'He explained the rules simply so everyone understood,' or 'They live simply, with few possessions.' In each case, simply describes the manner — plainly and without fuss.

Is 'simply' an adverb?

Yes. Simply is the adverb formed from the adjective simple, and it describes how something is done — in a plain, clear or uncomplicated way. In casual English it also works as an intensifier meaning 'absolutely' or 'merely,' as in 'simply wonderful' or 'simply forgot.'

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary