simply

American  

[sim-plee] / ˈsɪm pli /

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.

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simply British  

/ ˈsɪmplɪ /

adverb

1. in a simple manner

2. merely; only

3. absolutely; altogether; really

   a simply wonderful holiday

4. (sentence modifier) frankly; candidly

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Etymology

Origin of simply

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

Example Sentences

The Bears are simply doing the same thing.

From The Wall Street Journal

In these states, a photon is not simply detected as arriving "early" or "late," but exists as a combination of both possibilities.

From Science Daily

Many people with these schedules do not consider themselves shift workers and instead see their routine as simply starting the day earlier than usual.

From Science Daily

His direct running and pace out wide is something Scotland simply cannot replace and the sooner he is back to full fitness, the better.

From BBC

County deputies learn that sometimes the best way to handle a crisis is to simply wait.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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