What does simply mean?

Definitions for simply
ˈsɪm plisim·p·ly

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word simply.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. merely, simply, just, only, butadverb

    and nothing more

    "I was merely asking"; "it is simply a matter of time"; "just a scratch"; "he was only a child"; "hopes that last but a moment"

  2. just, simplyadverb

    absolutely

    "I just can't take it anymore"; "he was just grand as Romeo"; "it's simply beautiful!"

  3. simplyadverb

    absolutely; altogether; really

    "we are simply broke"

  4. plainly, simplyadverb

    in a simple manner; without extravagance or embellishment

    "she was dressed plainly"; "they lived very simply"

Wiktionary

  1. simplyadverb

    In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone

  2. simplyadverb

    Plainly; without art or subtlety; clearly; obviously; unquestionably.

  3. simplyadverb

    merely; solely.

    I was simply asking a question.

  4. simplyadverb

    absolutely, positively.

    That was a simply wonderful dessert.

  5. simplyadverb

    Frankly.

    Simply, he just fired you.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Simplyadverb

    Etymology: from simple.

    Accomplishing great things by things deem’d weak;
    Subverting worldly strong and worldly wise,
    By simply meek. John Milton, Paradise Lost.

    This question about the changing of laws concerneth only such laws as are positive, and do make that now good or evil, by being commanded or forbidden, which otherwise of itself were not simply the one or the other. Richard Hooker.

    Under man, no creature in the world is capable of felicity and bliss; because their chiefest perfection consisteth in that which is best for them, but not in that which is simply best, as ours doth. Richard Hooker.

    I will eat and drink, and sleep as soft
    As captain shall; simply the thing I am
    Shall make me live. William Shakespeare.

    To say, or to do ought with memory and imitation, no purpose or respect should sooner move us, than simply the love of God and of mankind. John Milton.

ChatGPT

  1. simply

    Simply is an adverb that is used to express something in a straightforward or uncomplicated manner. It implies a lack of complexity, without any elaboration or unnecessary detail. It often denotes something that is easy to understand, do, or achieve. Simply can also imply sincerity or honesty in a statement or action.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Simplyadverb

    in a simple manner or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; along; merely; solely; barely

  2. Simplyadverb

    plainly; without art or subtlety

  3. Simplyadverb

    weakly; foolishly

Editors Contribution

  1. simplyadverb

    In a simple way or manner.

    The systems were defined and created simply to ensure optimum efficiency.


    Submitted by MaryC on April 8, 2020  

British National Corpus

  1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'simply' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #533

  2. Written Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'simply' in Written Corpus Frequency: #823

  3. Adverbs Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'simply' in Adverbs Frequency: #74

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

How to pronounce simply?

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of simply in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of simply in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

Examples of simply in a Sentence

  1. Ned Price:

    We have been very clear about what we want to see happen. We are committed to the principle that dialogue will allow us to pursue our ultimate objective and that's quite simply the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, we have no hostile intent towards the DPRK. We have been very clear about that. What we seek to do is to reduce the threat to the North Korea, to our allies in the region, and that includes the ROK( Republic of Korea or South Korea) and Japan, and we think we can do that through diplomacy with the ROK.

  2. Roy Austin:

    As much as I would like to think that Heather Heyer have fixed the problem, I think that that number is simply false and shouldn't be reported.

  3. William Nee:

    The women were doing nothing wrong, nothing illegal. They were simply calling for an end to sexual harassment.

  4. David Katz:

    If a take-away is needed it is simply that overall diet quality, and the selection of wholesome foods, matters profoundly to every aspect of health — mental and physical alike.

  5. The Conservatives:

    A responsible government is a referee that ensures a level playing field so that everyone understands what is going on, and is not simply a cheerleader for projects because cheerleaders do not score goals, and for 10 years nothing got built.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

simply#1#1305#10000

Translations for simply

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"simply." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 23 Jan. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/simply>.

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