Simple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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simple

[ˈsɪmp(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

description

easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty.

Synonyms

easy, plain, straightforward, uncomplicated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
simple	Use when describing something that is not complex and can be easily understood or done. The instructions are simple to follow. She explained the concept in simple terms.
easy	Use when referring to something that requires little effort or is not difficult to accomplish. The quiz was easy for most students. It's easy to make friends if you are kind.
straightforward	Use when describing something that is clear, direct, and honest, often without any complications. His straightforward answer was appreciated. The instructions for the task were straightforward.
plain	Use when describing something that is basic, without decoration, or straightforward in appearance or style. She wore a plain dress to the party. The room was decorated in plain colors.
uncomplicated	Use when describing something that is not complicated and can be understood or done with ease. The recipe is uncomplicated and perfect for beginners. Her approach to the problem was uncomplicated and effective.

Examples of usage

It's a simple concept to grasp.
She gave a simple explanation of the problem.
He has a simple solution to the issue.
The instructions are simple to follow.
The process is quite simple once you understand it.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mathematics

a basic mathematical concept or quantity.

Synonyms

basic, elementary, fundamental, rudimentary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
simple	Appropriate for situations where something is easy to understand or not complicated. 'The instructions are quite simple ' 'She prefers a simple life '
elementary	Suitable for describing something that is at its early stage or foundational level, often related to education or learning. 'Elementary education is crucial for children ' 'He made an elementary mistake in the calculation '
basic	Used when referring to the essential and most important parts of something. 'He only has a basic understanding of the subject ' 'These are the basic ingredients for the recipe '
fundamental	Used to emphasize the core or underlying principles that are crucial for the existence or basic function of something. 'Freedom is a fundamental human right ' 'Understanding the fundamentals of physics is necessary for advanced studies '
rudimentary	Appropriate when referring to something that is basic and not well developed, often indicating an early stage of development. 'His knowledge of the language is rudimentary ' 'The equipment they have is quite rudimentary '

Examples of usage

She struggled with the algebraic simplification of the problem.
The equation required breaking down into simpler parts.
Mathematics is full of simple and complex concepts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'simple'

The word 'simple' originated from Old French 'simple' and Latin 'simplicem'. It has been used in English since the late 13th century. The term has evolved to denote ease and lack of complexity, both in language and mathematics.

Word Frequency Rank

At #626 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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623 duty
624 understand
625 final
626 simple
627 organization
628 front
629 lost
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