simplify

[ sim-pluh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing.

1. to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier:

   to simplify a problem.

simplify

/ ˈsɪmplɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make less complicated, clearer, or easier
2. maths to reduce (an equation, fraction, etc) to a simpler form by cancellation of common factors, regrouping of terms in the same variable, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈsimplificative, adjective
• ˌsimplifiˈcation, noun
• ˈsimpliˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• simpli·fi·cation noun
• simpli·fi·cative adjective
• simpli·fier simpli·fi·cator noun
• nonsim·pli·fi·cation noun
• super·simpli·fy verb (used with object) supersimplified supersimplifying
• un·simpli·fied adjective
• un·simpli·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of simplify¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificāre “to make simple,” equivalent to Latin simpli-, combining form of simplus simple + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of simplify¹

C17: via French from Medieval Latin simplificāre, from Latin simplus simple + facere to make

Example Sentences

Instead, she wants to see names and numbers on the back of shirts and a simplified scoring system to entice the young.

From BBC

The Department for Transport has promised “the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares”.

From BBC

Again, simplifying the menu is one place to start, though according to the Associated Press, Niccol said the chain is also looking into how stores are staffed during peak hours.

From Salon

The retailer said the move, which would affect less than 10% of its total number of staff, would enable it to "simplify structures" amid a challenging market.

From BBC

Last week, he promised to simplify what he described as an "overly complex menu".

From BBC

Related Words

• clarify
• cut down
• facilitate
• reduce
• shorten
• streamline