simple

The word “simple” means easy to understand or do; not complicated. In plain terms, easy, plain, or uncomplicated — the opposite of complex or fancy.

“Simple” is pronounced SIHM-puhl (/ˈsɪm.pəl/ in IPA).

Here is “simple” used in a sentence: “The instructions were simple enough for a child to follow.”

Depending on how it is used, “simple” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “simple” comes from Latin. From Old French simple, from Latin simplex ("onefold"), built from semel ("the same, once") plus plicare ("to fold") — literally "folded only once," as opposed to something duplex, or "twofold.".

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

“Simple” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: easy to understand or do; not complicated.

Simple means easy to understand and free of unnecessary complication — usually a compliment. Simplistic means oversimplified: treating something complex as if it were straightforward and ignoring important details — usually a criticism. A simple explanation is clear and accurate; a simplistic one leaves out what actually matters.

Simple describes something with few parts or little complication in its structure. Easy describes something that takes little effort to do. The two often overlap but not always: a plan can be simple yet hard to carry out, like 'eat less, move more' — simple to grasp, difficult to sustain.

Usually positive or neutral. Calling a design, an explanation or a recipe simple is normally praise, meaning clear and easy to follow. It can turn mildly negative when describing a person as simple, implying a lack of intelligence, so tone and context decide how it lands.

The most common opposites are complicated and complex, both meaning made up of many connected parts that are hard to follow. Depending on the sense, difficult, elaborate or intricate can also serve as antonyms. For the 'plain' shade of meaning, fancy or ornate act as opposites instead.