adj
Common
simpler
SIHM-puhl-uh
Simpler (adj) means Comparative form of simple: easier, plainer, or less complicated. Example: “I found a simpler recipe that uses only four ingredients.”
adj
1
Comparative form of simple: easier, plainer, or less complicated.
"I found a simpler recipe that uses only four ingredients."
"There's a simpler way to solve this equation."
"Life was simpler before smartphones."
How to use simpler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMore simple — used when comparing two things.
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Word forms
- Plural
- simplers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I found a _____ recipe that uses only four ingredients.
Etymology
Probably an altered form of German Simperl or Semperl.
Synonyms
View more →
plainer
easier
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “simpler” mean?
The word “simpler” means comparative form of simple: easier, plainer, or less complicated. In plain terms, more simple — used when comparing two things.
How do you pronounce “simpler”?
“Simpler” is pronounced SIHM-puhl-uh (/ˈsɪm.pəl.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “simpler” in a sentence?
Here is “simpler” used in a sentence: “There's a simpler way to solve this equation.”
What part of speech is “simpler”?
“Simpler” is an adjective.
Is “simpler” a common word?
“Simpler” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "simpler" and "more simple"?
"Simpler" is the standard comparative form of "simple," formed by adding "-er" since "simple" is a short adjective. "More simple" is used less often but is not strictly incorrect; "simpler" is generally preferred in both speech and writing.
When should you use "simpler" instead of "simplest"?
Use "simpler" when comparing exactly two things, as in "this method is simpler than that one," and use "simplest" when comparing three or more things to identify the one with the least complexity.
Is "simpler" always used to compare two options?
Typically yes, "simpler" as a comparative adjective is used to show that one thing is easier, plainer, or less complicated than another specific thing, rather than ranking it among many options.
