simply

adverb

sim·​ply ˈsim-plē 

 for sense 1 also  -pə-lē

1

a

: without ambiguity : clearly

b

: without embellishment : plainly

c

: directly, candidly

2

a

: solely, merely

eats simply to keep alive

simply cleaned it up and went to bed

—Garrison Keillor

b

: really, literally

the concert was simply marvelous

—often used as an intensive

simply crawling with geniuses

—F. Scott Fitzgerald

Synonyms

• alone
• exclusively
• just
• only
• purely
• solely

Examples of simply in a Sentence

Simply add water to the mix and stir.

Simply click on the computer icon and follow the directions.

If he continues to bother you, simply ignore him.

You can order new checks simply by calling or going online.

It is simply a matter of time before something goes wrong.

The instructions are simply written.

He lived simply on the farm.

The diner is called simply “Joe's.”

“Sorry, I can't help you,” he said simply.

The problem, put simply, is money.

Recent Examples on the Web

Massive, inflationary government spending, especially spending that smacks of bribery — to buy votes with free stuff — simply does not sit well with most Americans. —Richard Stacy, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024

Subcompacts like the $17,000 Mitsubishi Mirage and the $16,400 Nissan Versa simply can’t compete with the aforementioned laws of physics with regard to crash protection as well as compact and midsize cars and SUVs. —Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The weight-loss drug users and doctors whom The Times spoke to for this story all had slightly different takes: staying closer to the starting dose of 0.25 milligrams, cutting down to as low as 0.1 milligrams or simply refraining from injecting the medication every seven days as recommended. —Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

Choose from a number of menu options to fit your needs and preferences, select your delivery time and simply reheat and serve! —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing simply

• simply connected
• simply ordered

Kids Definition

simply

adverb

sim·​ply ˈsim-plē 

1

a

: in a clear manner

stated the directions simply

b

: in a plain manner

simply dressed

c

: in a direct manner : candidly

told the story as simply as a child would

2

a

: for nothing more than

eats simply to keep alive

b

: without any question : truly

simply marvelous