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simply

adverb
SIM-plee/ˈsɪmpli/

4 meanings of simply

Practice

  1. 1
    onlyadverb
    Only, and nothing more than that.

    He simply wanted to be left alone.

    It was simply a misunderstanding between two friends.

    UsagePut it before the verb or after is or was: he simply wanted, it was simply a joke.

    Similarjust, only, merely

  2. 2
    plainlyadverb
    In an easy, plain way, with nothing extra and nothing hard to understand.

    The room was simply furnished with a bed and a chair.

    She dressed simply for the long trip home.

    UsagePut it after the verb: explain it simply. Before the verb, he simply explained usually means "only."

  3. 3
    absolutelyadverb
    Used to make a statement stronger, meaning truly or completely.

    The cake was simply delicious.

    That idea is simply wonderful.

    UsageUse it with strong words, like simply amazing, and before the best: simply the best.

    Similarabsolutely, completely, positively, truly, quite

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    adverbdated
    In a foolish or silly way.

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English symply, made from simple plus -ly.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts