n.
Pronunciation: ' sim-p ə l
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: sim · pler \ -p( ə -)l ə r \ ; sim · plest \ -p( ə -)l ə st \
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin simplus, alteration of Latin simplic-, simplex single, having one ingredient, plain, from sem-, sim- one + -plic-, -plex -fold ― more at SAME , -FOLD
Date: 13th century
1 : free from guile : INNOCENT
2 a : free from vanity : MODEST b : free from ostentation or display <a simple outfit>
3 : of humble origin or modest position <a simple farmer>
4 a : lacking in knowledge or expertise <a simple amateur of the arts> b (1) : STUPID (2) : mentally retarded c : not socially or culturally sophisticated : NAIVE also : CREDULOUS
5 a : SHEER , UNMIXED < simple honesty> b : free of secondary complications <a simple vitamin deficiency> c (1) : having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses <a simple sentence> (2) of a subject or predicate : having no modifiers, complements, or objects d : constituting a basic element : FUNDAMENTAL e : not made up of many like units <a simple eye>
6 : free from elaboration or figuration < simple harmony>
7 a (1) : not subdivided into branches or leaflets <a simple stem> <a simple leaf> (2) : consisting of a single carpel (3) : developing from a single ovary <a simple fruit> b : controlled by a single gene < simple inherited characters>
8 : not limited or restricted : UNCONDITIONAL <a simple obligation>
9 : readily understood or performed < simple directions> <the adjustment was simple to make>
10 of a statistical hypothesis : specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters ― compare COMPOSITE 3
– sim · ple · ness \ -p ə l-n ə s \ noun
synonyms SIMPLE , FOOLISH , SILLY , FATUOUS , ASININE mean actually or apparently deficient in intelligence. SIMPLE implies a degree of intelligence inadequate to cope with anything complex or involving mental effort <considered people simple who had trouble with computers>. FOOLISH implies the character of being or seeming unable to use judgment, discretion, or good sense < foolish stunts>. SILLY suggests failure to act as a rational being especially by ridiculous behavior <the silly antics of revelers>. FATUOUS implies foolishness, inanity, and disregard of reality < fatuous conspiracy theories>. ASININE suggests utter and contemptible failure to use normal rationality or perception <an asinine plot>. synonym see in addition EASY