simply
//ˈsɪmpli//
Forms
- Comparative
- more simply
- Superlative
- most simply
Definitions
1.In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
- Patients often die simply because they yield to their diseases.
2.Plainly; without art or subtlety
- Patients often die simply because they yield to their diseases.
3.Foolishly; stupidly.
- Patients often die simply because they yield to their diseases.
4.Merely; solely.
- I was simply asking a question.
- Rather than scanning a boarding pass or handing over a passport, you simply stare into a camera and you’re verified.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #580
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English symply, symplely; equivalent to simple + -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.