simple

Main Entry:: ¹sim·ple
Pronunciation:: \ˈsim-pəl\
Function:: adjective
Inflected Form(s):: sim·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ ; sim·plest \-p(ə-)ləst\
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 : innocent2 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 : credulous5 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>10of a statistical hypothesis : specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters — compare composite 3

— sim·ple·ness

\-pəl-nəs\ 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>.

synonyms see in addition easy

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