- sim´ple|ness
- sim|ple «SIHM puhl», adjective, -pler, -plest, noun.–adj.1. easy to do, understand, use, solve, or the like: »
a simple problem, a simple explanation, a simple task. This book is in simple language.
SYNONYM(S): See syn. under easy. (Cf. ↑easy)2. not divided into parts; not compound; single: »a simple substance, a simple concept.
See also simple leaf. (Cf. ↑simple leaf)3. having few parts; not complex; not involved; elementary: »a simple pattern or design, a simple one-celled animal. A simple curve does not cross itself.
4. considered or taken by itself; with nothing added; mere; bare: »a simple majority. My answer is the simple truth.
SYNONYM(S): pure, absolute.5. a) without ornament; not rich or showy: »He eats simple food and wears simple clothing.
b) unaffected; plain: »a simple tale, to write in a simple style.
6. free from pride, ostentation, or display; not showing off; unaffected; natural: »a simple life. She has a pleasant, simple manner. Arthur…neither wore on helm or shield the golden symbol of his kinglihood, But rode a simple knight among his knights (Tennyson).
SYNONYM(S): unassuming, unpretentious.7. free from duplicity or guile; undesigning; honest; sincere: »a simple heart. The short and simple annals of the poor (Thomas Gray).
SYNONYM(S): open, straightforward.11. weak in mind; dull or stupid; foolish or silly: »Simple Simon met a pieman (Nursery Rhyme). Thou art as simple, I see, in this world's knowledge as ever (Scott).
12. of little value or importance; insignificant; trifling; slight: »Great floods have flown from simple sources (Shakespeare).
–n.1. a foolish, stupid person.2. something unmixed or uncompounded.3. a medicine or food, composed of only one constituent.4. Archaic. a) a plant or herb used in medicine: »Saphira read his medical library, added herbs and simples she knew from her childhood, plus other remedies (Harper's).
b) a medicine made from it.5. Archaic. a person of poor or humble birth or position.–sim´ple|ness, noun.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
