simply

[ sim-plee ]

adverb

1. in a simple manner; clearly and easily.
2. plainly; unaffectedly.
3. sincerely; artlessly:

   to speak simply as a child.

4. merely; only:

   It is simply a cold.

5. unwisely; foolishly:

   If you behave simply toward him, you're bound to be betrayed.

6. wholly; absolutely:

   simply irresistible.

simply

/ ˈsɪmplɪ /

adverb

1. in a simple manner
2. merely; only
3. absolutely; altogether; really

   a simply wonderful holiday

4. sentence modifier frankly; candidly

Word History and Origins

Origin of simply¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, simply is from the Middle English word simpleliche. See simple, -ly

Example Sentences

This, he said using a variety of R-rated language, was a team simply accepting the gift handed to them.

From Los Angeles Times

Already, elected Republicans are deploying their favorite trick from the first Trump presidency: claiming they simply haven’t seen the horrible thing reporters are asking about.

From Salon

She called for forces to record these incidents only "when it is absolutely necessary and proportionate and not simply because someone is offended".

From BBC

They claim demand for electric cars simply isn’t high enough yet, forcing them to offer unsustainable discounts in an effort to meet their targets.

From BBC

When Nadal emerged as a prodigious teenager, making his ATP Tour debut in 1999 aged 15, he was known simply for being the nephew of Barcelona and Spain footballer Miguel Angel.

From BBC

Related Words

• commonly
• directly
• easily
• honestly
• naturally
• openly
• quietly