simply
/ˈsɪmpli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪmpli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsim-plē for sense 1 also -pə-lē/ (ame, mw)
simply — adverb
1. used to emphasize that something is definitely true or is very strong in degree
used to emphasize that something is definitely true or is very strong in degree — for example, saying a performance was simply wonderful or a task is simply impossible.
The view from the hilltop was simply breathtaking, and Paloma took photo after photo.
simply + adjective (breathtaking)
It is simply impossible to finish this project by Friday without more help.
simply + impossible
Ziad's speech at the wedding was simply beautiful; many guests had tears in their eyes.
Jabari found the math problem simply confusing even after his teacher explained it twice.
- absolutely
stronger; used with the same adjective patterns
- truly
focuses on genuineness rather than degree
- literally
more informal and often used for exaggeration
- hardly
expresses the opposite — almost not at all
文法句型
simply + adjective (e.g. simply amazing)
simply + the + superlative (e.g. simply the best)
用法筆記
Only used before adjectives or before 'the + superlative'. Do not use this sense before ordinary action verbs — that normally signals Sense 2 (JUST).
常見錯誤
2. used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated — no bigger
used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated — no bigger, more important, or more complicated than that.
I simply asked a question; there is no need to get so upset about it.
simply + verb for 'only'
Rachel did not fail the course; she simply missed the first week due to illness.
This is not a criticism — it is simply a suggestion to improve the report.
Feng did not quit his job; he simply transferred to a different office across town.
文法句型
simply + verb (e.g. simply asked)
simply + noun phrase (e.g. simply a suggestion)
用法筆記
Often interchangeable with 'just' in informal English. Place it directly before the verb or noun phrase it limits. This sense is NOT used before adjectives describing degree — that belongs to Sense 1 (COMPLETELY).
常見錯誤
3. done or explained with no extra difficulty; clear and simple to follow.
done or explained with no extra difficulty; clear and simple to follow.
This cookbook explains simply how to prepare a three-course meal in under an hour.
explains simply + how to
Indra showed us simply how to fix a leaking tap using only tools from home.
You can simply pay for your shopping by waving your phone near the card reader.
The new app lets you simply drag files into the correct folder on your screen.
- easily
focuses on low difficulty rather than clear method
- straightforwardly
more formal; suggests clarity and honesty
- painstakingly
in a way that involves great effort and care
文法句型
verb + simply (e.g. explains simply)
simply + verb (imperative or instruction, e.g. simply click)
用法筆記
When placed after the verb (e.g. 'explains simply'), it focuses on the manner of explanation. When placed before the verb (e.g. 'simply pay'), it makes the instruction sound easy and effortless.
常見錯誤
4. in a basic and unadorned way, without anything extra for decoration, show, or co
in a basic and unadorned way, without anything extra for decoration, show, or complexity.
Anya dressed simply in a white blouse and dark trousers for her interview.
dressed simply
The bedroom was furnished simply — a bed, a desk, and a single wooden chair.
Talia lives simply in a small cabin near a lake, not a city apartment.
Theo spoke simply and honestly, using everyday words instead of long technical terms.
- elaborately
in a way with much detail and decoration
- luxuriously
in a rich, expensive, and showy way
文法句型
dressed + simply
furnished + simply
live + simply
speak + simply
用法筆記
Frequently pairs with verbs about appearance (dress, furnish) and lifestyle (live, eat). This sense carries a positive connotation of modesty and lack of pretension.