simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē 

-ˈpli-stē

plural simplicities

1

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

2

a

: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naiveté

b

: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a

: directness of expression : clarity

b

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Synonyms

• plainness
• unsophistication

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions.

the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

Less a school than a loose coterie, the group—which counted Nobuo Sekine, Kishio Suga, and Susumu Koshimizu among its members—used natural objects and industrial materials to construct anti-representational propositions that emphasized relationships, simplicity, reduction, and space. —Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024

But don’t be fooled by their simplicity—these scents are anything but basic. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

Providing the customer with value and consistency also sometimes requires simplicity. —Steven Dudash, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Where to watch or stream: Paramount+, YouTube, Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, AppleTV Pocoyo This cheerful series will delight your toddler with its simplicity. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing simplicity

• for simplicity's sake
• for the sake of simplicity
• simplicity itself

Kids Definition

simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural simplicities

1

: the quality or state of being simple

2

: honesty, straightforwardness

3

a

: clearness of expression

b

: the quality or state of being plain

4

: folly sense 1, silliness