simply

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

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɪmpli/

• Audio (US):

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simply (comparative more simply, superlative most simply)

1. (manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.

   Antonym: complexly

2. (manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety

   Synonyms: clearly, obviously, unquestionably

3. (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 […] .

4. (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.

5. (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

6. Frankly.

   Synonyms: honestly; see also Thesaurus:actually

   Simply, he just fired you.

• single

• limpsy

simply

1. Alternative form of symply (adverb)