simplicity
/sɪmˈplɪsəti/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪmˈplɪsəti/ (ame, ipa) · /sim-ˈpli-sə-tē -ˈpli-stē/ (ame, mw)
simplicity — noun
1. how easy something is to understand, use, or do — for instance, a task that requ
how easy something is to understand, use, or do — for instance, a task that requires only a few steps or a tool with one button.
The simplicity of the new payment system saved the staff a lot of time.
simplicity + of + noun phrase as subject
Quan values the simplicity of this software's single-button design.
The simplicity of the written instructions helped everyone finish the test before the bell rang.
What customers praise most is the simplicity of the return process on the website.
- ease
focuses on lack of effort rather than plainness of design or instruction
- straightforwardness
emphasises directness and absence of complication; slightly more formal
- clarity
highlights clearness of expression rather than structural simplicity
- complexity
the state of being made up of many interconnected parts
- difficulty
the quality of being hard to do or understand
文法句型
simplicity + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Uncountable noun; typically appears with an of-phrase that names the thing being described as simple.
常見錯誤
2. the quality of living in a plain, traditional way without unnecessary possession
the quality of living in a plain, traditional way without unnecessary possessions, complicated routines, or a desire for luxury.
The simplicity of life in the mountain village attracted many visitors each summer.
simplicity + of + lifestyle noun phrase
Diego values the simplicity of eating vegetables grown in his own garden.
Tanvi's cooking style shows a simplicity that relies on just a few fresh ingredients.
The simplicity of their traditional wedding ceremony moved all the guests who attended.
- luxury
the state of great comfort and expensive possessions
- extravagance
excessive spending on unnecessary items
文法句型
simplicity + of + lifestyle / way of life / living
用法筆記
Frequently appears in descriptions of rural or traditional ways of life, often with a positive connotation of contentment.
常見錯誤
3. the quality of having a clean, uncluttered appearance with few or no decorative
the quality of having a clean, uncluttered appearance with few or no decorative elements — for example, the look of a bare wall or a plain piece of furniture.
The simplicity of the white-walled lobby created a calm atmosphere for arriving guests.
simplicity + of + architectural feature
Rachel prefers a room's simplicity — just a bed, a chair, and a shelf of books.
The old wooden table's simplicity made the dining area feel warm and peaceful.
Layla loved the dress's simplicity — no lace, no buttons, just clean fabric.
- plainness
directly describes absence of decoration; less formal than simplicity
- austerity
suggests a deliberate severity in appearance; stronger connotation
- minimalism
a modern design philosophy that values simplicity; more specific
- ornamentation
decorative details added to something
- elaborateness
the quality of having many complex details
文法句型
simplicity + of + noun phrase (design/appearance)
adjective + simplicity (stark / clean / elegant)
用法筆記
Commonly modified by adjectives such as 'stark', 'clean', 'elegant', or 'classic' to describe the specific style of plainness.
常見錯誤
4. a trusting or innocent quality that comes from limited experience of the world's
a trusting or innocent quality that comes from limited experience of the world's complexity, sometimes seen as endearing and sometimes as naive.
The old farmer's simplicity made him trust every person he met on the road.
possessive + simplicity as subject
The children's simplicity helped them enjoy simple games for hours without getting bored.
Eitan's simplicity was often seen as a sign of honesty by the older villagers.
The simplicity of the little boy's question about why adults argue surprised the busy lawyer.
- innocence
focuses on lack of experience with evil or harm; broader than simplicity
- naivety
implies a lack of worldly wisdom that can lead to being easily fooled; more critical
- guilelessness
suggests an inability to deceive others; rare and literary
- sophistication
worldly knowledge and refined taste
- cynicism
a belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest
文法句型
possessive + simplicity
simplicity + of + person/character
用法筆記
Often carries a warm, positive connotation of innocence, but in certain contexts can imply a lack of critical judgment or worldliness.
常見錯誤
5. the quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or behaviour, without an
the quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or behaviour, without any attempt to impress others or hide one's true feelings.
The simplicity of Jack's apology moved everyone in the meeting room to tears.
simplicity + of + abstract noun phrase as subject
What impressed the soldiers most was the simplicity of the commander's honest speech.
wh-cleft: what impressed ... was the simplicity of ...
Chidi's simplicity of manner made even the most difficult conversation feel natural.
The simplicity of the nurse's answer, with no medical jargon, helped the worried family understand.
- pretence
an attempt to appear more impressive than one really is
- affectation
behaviour that is put on to impress others
文法句型
possessive + simplicity + of + abstract noun (manner / speech / approach)
用法筆記
The subject of the sentence is typically a person's manner of speaking or behaviour rather than the person themselves.