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

Perhaps the solution is simply getting Hurts back in practice with the fullness of the offensive roster available. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025

At what point can an average person, even the above-average-but-not-filthy-rich person, simply not afford the rebuild or the risk? —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025

Vera is simply a very fine detective who perpetually pushes her often beleaguered team to leave no bank record unchecked, no statement unverified. —Mary McNamara, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2025

Our attention, and especially our anxiety, spent on the uncontrollable, is simply wasted. —Tim Maurer, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

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