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2 ADJ If you describe people or things as simple , you mean that they have all the basic or necessary things they require, but nothing extra. □  He ate a simple dinner of rice and beans. □  …the simple pleasures of childhood. □  Nothing is simpler than a cool white shirt. ●  simp|ly ADV [ADV after v] □  The living room is furnished simply with wicker furniture.

3 ADJ If a problem is simple or if its solution is simple , the problem can be solved easily. □  Some puzzles look difficult but once the solution is known are actually quite simple. □  I cut my purchases dramatically by the simple expedient of destroying my credit cards.

4 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] A simple task is easy to do. □  The simplest way to install a shower is to fit one over the bath. ●  simp|ly ADV [ADV with v] □  Simply dial the number and tell us your area.

5 ADJ If you say that someone is simple , you mean that they are not very intelligent and have difficulty learning things. □  He was simple as a child.

6 ADJ [ADJ n] You use simple to emphasize that the thing you are referring to is the only important or relevant reason for something. [EMPHASIS ] □  His refusal to talk was simple stubbornness.

7 ADJ In grammar, simple tenses are ones which are formed without an auxiliary verb 'be', for example 'I dressed and went for a walk' and 'This tastes nice'. Simple verb groups are used especially to refer to completed actions, regular actions, and situations. Compare continuous .

8 ADJ In English grammar, a simple sentence consists of one main clause. Compare compound , complex .

9 → see also simply SYNONYMS simple ADJ 1

uncomplicated:…good, fresh British cooking with its uncomplicated, direct flavours.

clear:The book is clear, readable and adequately illustrated.

plain:It was a plain, grey stone house.

straightforward:…simple straightforward language.

si m|ple i n|ter|est N‑UNCOUNT Simple interest is interest that is calculated on an original sum of money and not also on interest which has previously been added to the sum. Compare compound interest . [BUSINESS ]

si mple-mi nded ADJ If you describe someone as simple-minded , you believe that they interpret things in a way that is too simple and do not understand how complicated things are. [DISAPPROVAL ] □  Sylvie was a simple-minded romantic.

sim|ple|ton /s I mp ^ə ltən/ (simpletons ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a simpleton , you think they are easily deceived or not very intelligent. [DISAPPROVAL ] □  'But Ian's such a simpleton', she laughed.

sim|plic|ity /s I mpl I s I ti/

1 N‑UNCOUNT The simplicity of something is the fact that it is not complicated and can be understood or done easily. □ [+ of ] The apparent simplicity of his plot is deceptive.

2 N‑UNCOUNT When you talk about something's simplicity , you approve of it because it has no unnecessary parts or complicated details. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] …fussy details that ruin the simplicity of the design.

sim|pli|fi|ca|tion /s I mpl I f I ke I ʃ ^ə n/ (simplifications )

1 N‑COUNT You can use simplification to refer to the thing that is produced when you make something simpler or when you reduce it to its basic elements. □  Like any such diagram, it is a simplification.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Simplification is the act or process of making something simpler. □ [+ of ] Everyone favours the simplification of court procedures.

sim|pli|fy /s I mpl I fa I / (simplifies , simplifying , simplified ) VERB If you simplify something, you make it easier to understand or you remove the things which make it complex. □ [V n] …a plan to simplify the complex social security system.