simply

simply — adverb

1. used to emphasize that something is definitely true or is very strong in degree

1.adverbB1
Definition

used to emphasize that something is definitely true or is very strong in degree — for example, saying a performance was simply wonderful or a task is simply impossible.

Example

The view from the hilltop was simply breathtaking, and Paloma took photo after photo.

simply + adjective (breathtaking)

It is simply impossible to finish this project by Friday without more help.

simply + impossible

Common collocations
  • simply amazing
  • simply impossible
  • simply breathtaking
  • simply the best
  • simply wonderful
Synonyms
  • absolutely

    stronger; used with the same adjective patterns

  • truly

    focuses on genuineness rather than degree

  • literally

    more informal and often used for exaggeration

Antonyms
  • hardly

    expresses the opposite — almost not at all

Grammar Patterns

simply + adjective (e.g. simply amazing)

simply + the + superlative (e.g. simply the best)

Usage Note

Only used before adjectives or before 'the + superlative'. Do not use this sense before ordinary action verbs — that normally signals Sense 2 (JUST).

Common Mistakes

I simply finished my homework.' (when meaning 'completely').
I simply adore this song.
before strong feeling verbs like 'adore' or before adjectives, 'simply' means 'completely'; before ordinary action verbs, it usually means 'only'.

2. used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated — no bigger

2.adverbB1
Definition

used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated — no bigger, more important, or more complicated than that.

Example

I simply asked a question; there is no need to get so upset about it.

simply + verb for 'only'

Rachel did not fail the course; she simply missed the first week due to illness.

Common collocations
  • simply a matter of
  • simply because
  • simply a question of
Synonyms
  • just

    more common in everyday speech; less formal

  • merely

    suggests something is less important or significant

  • only

    more direct; places stronger emphasis on the limit

Grammar Patterns

simply + verb (e.g. simply asked)

simply + noun phrase (e.g. simply a suggestion)

Usage Note

Often interchangeable with 'just' in informal English. Place it directly before the verb or noun phrase it limits. This sense is NOT used before adjectives describing degree — that belongs to Sense 1 (COMPLETELY).

Common Mistakes

The dress is simply gorgeous.' (when meaning 'only').
The dress is simply gorgeous.' (meaning 'completely')
when 'simply' appears before an adjective like 'gorgeous', it nearly always means 'completely', not 'only'.

3. done or explained with no extra difficulty; clear and simple to follow.

3.adverbB1
Definition

done or explained with no extra difficulty; clear and simple to follow.

Example

This cookbook explains simply how to prepare a three-course meal in under an hour.

explains simply + how to

Indra showed us simply how to fix a leaking tap using only tools from home.

Common collocations
  • explain simply
  • put simply
  • simply put
Synonyms
Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

verb + simply (e.g. explains simply)

simply + verb (imperative or instruction, e.g. simply click)

Usage Note

When placed after the verb (e.g. 'explains simply'), it focuses on the manner of explanation. When placed before the verb (e.g. 'simply pay'), it makes the instruction sound easy and effortless.

Common Mistakes

He explained simply the answer.
He explained the answer simply.
When 'simply' means 'in an easy way', it usually comes after the verb's object, not between the verb and its object.

4. in a basic and unadorned way, without anything extra for decoration, show, or co

4.adverbB2
Definition

in a basic and unadorned way, without anything extra for decoration, show, or complexity.

Example

Anya dressed simply in a white blouse and dark trousers for her interview.

dressed simply

The bedroom was furnished simply — a bed, a desk, and a single wooden chair.

Common collocations
  • dressed simply
  • live simply
  • furnished simply
  • speak simply
Synonyms
  • plainly

    almost identical; stresses lack of decoration

  • modestly

    focuses on humility and not showing off

  • frugally

    emphasizes avoiding waste or spending

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

dressed + simply

furnished + simply

live + simply

speak + simply

Usage Note

Frequently pairs with verbs about appearance (dress, furnish) and lifestyle (live, eat). This sense carries a positive connotation of modesty and lack of pretension.

Common Mistakes

She dressed simply amazingly.
She dressed simply.
Do not combine 'simply' (plainly) with another adjective; use 'very' or 'quite' for degree instead.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/2

All four words can limit or reduce the importance of what follows, but they differ in tone. 'Simply' suggests something is straightforward and uncomplicated — 'I simply asked for help.' 'Merely' carries a slightly dismissive tone, implying the thing is less significant than assumed — 'He merely glanced at the report.' 'Just' is the most neutral and common in everyday speech — 'I just wanted to check.' 'Only' is the most direct and can sound restrictive — 'She only ate one slice.' In writing, 'simply' and 'merely' are slightly more formal than 'just.' Use 'simply' when you want to downplay complexity; use 'merely' to reduce perceived importance; use 'just' for casual, neutral limitation; use 'only' for firm restriction.

simply ↗merely ↗just ↗only ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • simply put
  • put simply
  • to put it simply

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Simply comes from Middle English symply, formed by adding the adverb suffix '-ly' to 'simple'. The word 'simple' entered English through Old French, from Latin 'simplus', meaning 'single' or 'plain' — combining 'sem-' (one) and '-plus' (fold). Over centuries, 'simply' developed from its original meaning of 'in a plain way' into the broader range of uses seen today, including emphasis and limitation.