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

The production’s simplicity ditched the cliches that have accumulated around the play over decades. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Raines believes that simplicity also applies to his politics. —Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

Our tester, whose toddler could use the player on her own, noted that its simplicity was a selling point. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 2 Nov. 2024

The generally admirable simplicity of Eastwood’s approach does lead to missteps. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 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