SIMPLE


Meaning of SIMPLE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ sɪmp(ə)l ]

( simpler, simplest)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.

If you describe something as simple , you mean that it is not complicated, and is therefore easy to understand.

...simple pictures and diagrams.

...pages of simple advice on filling in your tax form...

Buddhist ethics are simple but its practices are very complex to a western mind.

≠ complicated

ADJ

• simp‧ly

When applying for a visa state simply and clearly the reasons why you need it.

ADV : ADV with v

2.

If you describe people or things as simple , you mean that they have all the basic or necessary things they require, but nothing extra.

He ate a simple dinner of rice and beans.

...the simple pleasures of childhood...

Nothing is simpler than a cool white shirt.

ADJ

• simp‧ly

The living room is furnished simply with wicker furniture...

ADV : ADV after v

3.

If a problem is simple or if its solution is simple , the problem can be solved easily.

Some puzzles look difficult but once the solution is known are actually quite simple...

I cut my purchases dramatically by the simple expedient of destroying my credit cards.

ADJ

4.

A simple task is easy to do.

The simplest way to install a shower is to fit one over the bath.

= easy

ADJ : oft ADJ to-inf

• simp‧ly

Simply dial the number and tell us your area.

ADV : ADV with v

5.

If you say that someone is simple , you mean that they are not very intelligent and have difficulty learning things.

He was simple as a child.

ADJ

6.

You use simple to emphasize that the thing you are referring to is the only important or relevant reason for something.

His refusal to talk was simple stubbornness.

= plain

ADJ : ADJ n [ emphasis ]

7.

In grammar, simple tenses are ones which are formed without an auxiliary verb ‘be’, for example ‘I dressed and went for a walk’ and ‘This tastes nice’. Simple verb groups are used especially to refer to completed actions, regular actions, and situations. Compare continuous .

ADJ

8.

In English grammar, a simple sentence consists of one main clause. Compare compound , complex .

ADJ

9.

see also simply

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.