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simply. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
simply, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
simply in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
simply you have here. The definition of the word
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simply, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Middle English symply, symplely; equivalent to simple + -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.
Pronunciation
Adverb
simply (comparative more simply, superlative most simply)
- (manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
- Antonym: complexly
- (manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety
- Synonyms: clearly, obviously, unquestionably
- (manner) Foolishly; stupidly.
1791, Charlotte Smith, Celestina, Broadview, published 2004, page 179:Mrs. Thorold had told her sons that a young lady was visiting at the house, whose history she had given them in short hand, describing her as a dependent on the late Mrs. Willoughby, whom her son had very simply intended to marry at Alvestone […] .
- (focus) Merely; solely.
- Synonyms: just; see also Thesaurus:merely
I was simply asking a question.
2013 June 1, “Ideas coming down the track”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8838, page 13 (Technology Quarterly):A “moving platform” scheme […] is more technologically ambitious than maglev trains even though it relies on conventional rails. […] This set-up solves several problems […]. Stopping high-speed trains wastes energy and time, so why not simply slow them down enough for a moving platform to pull alongside?
2019 May 21, Dylan Curran, “Facial recognition will soon be everywhere. Are we prepared?”, in The Guardian:Rather than scanning a boarding pass or handing over a passport, you simply stare into a camera and you’re verified.
- (degree) absolutely, positively.
- Synonyms: very; see also Thesaurus:very
That was a simply wonderful dessert.
1972, Al Green (lyrics and music), “Simply Beautiful”:What about the way you love me? / And the way you squeeze me? / Simply beautiful
- Frankly.
- Synonyms: honestly; see also Thesaurus:actually
Simply, he just fired you.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
Anagrams
Middle English
Adverb
simply
- Alternative form of symply (adverb)