Simplicity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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simplicity

[sɪmˈplɪsɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

quality

The quality or condition of being simple, easy, or uncomplicated.

Synonyms

clarity, ease, plainness, sincerity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
simplicity	Use when describing something that is straightforward or uncomplicated. The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity She preferred the simplicity of a rural lifestyle
ease	Use when referring to the state of being comfortable or free from difficulty. He completed the task with ease The ease of accessing information online has transformed learning
plainness	Use when describing something that is simple and without decoration, often with a neutral or slightly negative connotation. The plainness of the room made it feel cold and uninviting Her dress was notable for its plainness
clarity	Use when discussing the clearness or precision of something, often information or communication. Her explanation provided much-needed clarity The clarity of the water was astonishing
sincerity	Use when speaking about the quality of being honest and genuine in feelings or behavior. His sincerity was evident in his apology The sincerity of her smile reassured everyone

Examples of usage

I appreciate the simplicity of this design.
The beauty of this artwork lies in its simplicity.
She prefers the simplicity of rural life over the chaos of the city.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

lack of complexity

The state or quality of being simple or uncombined.

Synonyms

plainness, purity, sincerity, uncomplicatedness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
simplicity	Best used to describe something that is easy to understand or do, without unnecessary complexity or decoration. The simplicity of the instructions made the task easy to complete. She appreciated the simplicity of the design.
plainness	Commonly used to describe something that lacks decoration or adornment. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying dullness. The plainness of the room was a bit disappointing. He preferred the plainness of her outfit, as it suited her personality.
uncomplicatedness	Often used to emphasize the lack of complexity in a process or situation, similar to simplicity but with a focus on ease of understanding or functioning. The uncomplicatedness of the machine makes it easy to use. She admired the uncomplicatedness of their relationship.
sincerity	Used to describe genuine feelings or honest expressions, often related to emotions and personal interactions. His sincerity in the apology was evident. She could see the sincerity in his eyes.
purity	Usually refers to something that is free from contamination, sin, or mixture, often used in spiritual, moral, or physical contexts. The purity of the mountain air was refreshing. Her speech reflected the purity of her intentions.

Examples of usage

The elegance of the solution lies in its simplicity.
The simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for beginners.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

simplicity in behavior

The quality or state of being simple in character or behavior; lack of pretension or affectation.

Synonyms

honesty, modesty, naturalness, sincerity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
simplicity	When you want to describe something that is easy to understand or free from complexity. She appreciated the simplicity of the design. The instructions were written with simplicity in mind.
sincerity	Describes the quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy; genuine feelings or expressions. The sincerity in her voice convinced him. His apology seemed full of sincerity.
honesty	Appropriate when referring to the quality of being truthful and free from deceit. Honesty is the best policy. I admire his honesty and openness.
modesty	Best used when talking about a humble attitude without boasting and a moderate estimation of one's abilities or achievements. Her modesty was evident in how she talked about her awards. Despite his success, he maintained his modesty.
naturalness	Used to explain something that is not artificial and appears in its pure form. The naturalness of her acting made the performance believable. He was charmed by the naturalness of the landscape.

Examples of usage

His honesty and simplicity endeared him to everyone.
She radiates simplicity and authenticity in her interactions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Philosophers like Socrates believed that simplicity in thought leads to more profound truths.
In Eastern philosophies, such as Zen Buddhism, simplicity is a way to clarity and peace of mind, encouraging minimalism and mindfulness.
The concept of simplicity is often seen as an antidote to the chaos of modern life, promoting harmony and balance.

Art and Design

In art, simplicity is celebrated in movements like Minimalism, which emphasizes stripping down to the essentials.
Famous artists like Piet Mondrian used simple lines and blocks of color to convey complex emotions through ease.
Designers often embrace simplicity to create user-friendly interfaces, ensuring that technology is accessible to everyone.

Science

In science, simplicity is reflected in the principle of 'Occam's Razor,' which suggests that the simplest explanation is often the correct one.
In mathematics, simple models help clarify complex systems, as they can distill numerous variables down to core ideas.
Research shows that simplified information is easier for the brain to process, leading to better understanding and memory retention.

Literature

Many renowned writers, like Ernest Hemingway, used simple language to convey deep meanings, proving that less can often be more.
Children's books often embrace simplicity to engage young readers, utilizing straightforward plots and clear characters.
The use of simplicity in poetry allows for broader interpretation, as it leaves space for the reader's imagination.

Origin of 'simplicity'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'simplus,' which means 'single or simple.'
It was introduced to English in the early 14th century from Old French, maintaining its idea of being straightforward.
In its evolution, it has retained the essence of being clear and uncomplicated through the ages.

The word 'simplicity' originated from the Latin word 'simplicitas', which means 'plainness, straightforwardness'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the quality or condition of being simple, easy, or uncomplicated. Throughout history, simplicity has been valued in various aspects of life, from design and art to behavior and lifestyle. Embracing simplicity can lead to clarity, elegance, and authenticity in a world often filled with complexity and distractions.

See also: simpleton, simplified, simplify, simplistic, simply.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,731, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4728 verb
4729 deputy
4730 atom
4731 simplicity
4732 favourable
4733 extensively
4734 thirteen
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