simplest
simplest — 形容詞
- simplestpositive
- more simplestcomparative
- most simplestsuperlative
1. not hard to do, understand, or deal with; taking little effort to figure out or
簡單的;簡易
容易理解或做到的
not hard to do, understand, or deal with; taking little effort to figure out or complete.
The instructions for putting up the tent were short and simple enough for anyone to follow.
搭帳篷的說明寫得很簡短又簡單,任何人都看得懂。
simple + enough for [person] to [verb]
Liam showed Heloísa a simple way to open the coconut without tools.
Liam 教 Heloísa 一個簡單的方法,不用工具就能打開椰子。
The librarian asked the children a really simple question about the book they had just read.
圖書館員問孩子們一個關於剛讀完的書的簡單問題。
simple + noun (question / answer / task)
It is not always simple to find a parking spot near the market on Saturday morning.
週六早上要在市場附近找到停車位不一定很簡單。
it + be + simple + to-infinitive
Talia baked a simple cake with just flour, eggs, sugar, and butter.
Talia 只用麵粉、蛋、糖和奶油烤了一個簡單的蛋糕。
- simple question
- simple answer
- simple way
- simple process
- quite simple
- very simple
- easy
more general; 'simple' suggests few steps or parts, 'easy' suggests little effort
- straightforward
more formal; emphasises clarity without complications
- clear
focuses on being easy to understand rather than easy to do
- difficult
the most direct opposite across all contexts
- complicated
opposite in the sense of having many interwoven parts
文法句型
simple + to-infinitive
simple + noun
常見錯誤
2. used before a noun to emphasise the single most important or basic element of a
基本;根本
強調最關鍵的事實或原因
used before a noun to emphasise the single most important or basic element of a situation, without extra details or explanations.
The simple truth is that Bilal forgot to set his alarm clock last night.
簡單的事實是 Bilal 昨晚忘了設鬧鐘。
the simple truth is (that) …
For the simple reason that the road was closed, the school bus took a different route.
原因很簡單,就是道路封閉了,所以校車走了另一條路線。
the simple reason that …
The simple fact remains that we cannot finish the project by Friday without more help.
簡單的事實仍然是,如果沒有更多幫助,我們無法在星期五前完成專案。
the simple fact is / remains that …
The simple reason our train was late is that a tree had fallen across the tracks.
火車晚點的基本原因是有棵樹倒在鐵軌上。
the simple reason (is) that …
The simple fact is that Wei could not afford the rent on his own.
基本的事實是 Wei 一個人負擔不起房租。
the simple fact is that …
- simple truth
- simple fact
- simple reason
- simple idea
- basic
more neutral; 'simple' adds a tone of 'this is all you need to know'
- plain
overlaps in emphasising lack of added detail, but 'plain' can also mean 'obvious'
- fundamental
more formal and academic
文法句型
the simple + noun (fact / truth / reason)
用法筆記
This sense almost always appears before the nouns 'truth', 'fact', 'reason', or 'idea'. It emphasises the core of an issue, not an evaluation of difficulty (see sense 1).
常見錯誤
3. not decorated, not fancy, and without any extra features or ornaments.
樸素的;樸實
沒有裝飾或花樣的
not decorated, not fancy, and without any extra features or ornaments.
The couple chose a simple white dress and a plain wooden ring for their wedding.
這對新人選了一件簡單的白紗和一只樸素的木戒指來辦婚禮。
simple + (colour / material) + noun
Evelyn prefers a simple hairstyle that she can brush in under one minute.
Evelyn 喜歡簡單的髮型,一分鐘內就能梳理好。
The restaurant serves simple home-cooked meals with no fancy sauces.
這家餐廳供應樸素的家常菜,不加任何花俏的醬汁。
simple + food-related noun
A simple wooden bookshelf stood against the wall of the small bedroom.
臥室牆邊立著一個簡單的木書架。
Imran designed a simple logo with only two colours and no pictures.
Imran 設計了一個簡單的標誌,只有兩種顏色,沒有圖案。
simple + design / logo / pattern
- simple dress
- simple design
- simple food
- simple life
- simple style
文法句型
simple + noun (dress / design / style)
用法筆記
Often describes clothes, food, furniture, design, and architecture. It differs from sense (4) NOT COMPLEX because PLAIN focuses on visual or surface decoration, while NOT COMPLEX focuses on internal structure or arrangement.
4. having only a few parts or steps, without complicated relationships between them
單純;簡易
零件或步驟很少的
having only a few parts or steps, without complicated relationships between them.
The old clock has a surprisingly simple mechanism with just three wheels.
這座老鐘的機芯簡單得驚人,只有三個齒輪。
simple + mechanism / system / structure
The company uses a simple filing system that anyone in the office can understand.
這家公司使用簡單的歸檔系統,辦公室裡的每個人都能看懂。
Tuan showed Gabriela a simple method to test whether the battery was still working.
Tuan 教 Gabriela 一個簡單的方法來測試電池是否還有電。
The recipe calls for a simple mix of rice, beans, and vegetables with no rare spices.
食譜只需要簡單混合米飯、豆類和蔬菜,不需要稀有香料。
simple + mix / combination / blend
A simple sentence like 'The cat sat on the mat' has only one main clause.
像「貓坐在墊子上」這樣的簡單句只有一個主要子句。
- simple structure
- simple system
- simple machine
- simple organism
- uncomplicated
more formal; used especially in medical or technical contexts
- basic
emphasises that something is at the lowest level, not necessarily simple overall
文法句型
be/remain/seem + simple
simple + noun (structure / system / machine)
常見錯誤
5. ordinary and traditional, not influenced by modern trends or complicated lifesty
樸實的;純樸
傳統而不追求時髦的
ordinary and traditional, not influenced by modern trends or complicated lifestyles.
The villagers lead a simple life, growing their own food and weaving their own cloth.
村民們過著簡單的生活,自己種糧食、自己織衣服。
simple + life / lifestyle / folk
The Hernandez family chose a simple wedding with just close family and a backyard barbecue.
Hernandez 一家選擇了樸實的婚禮,只有近親參加和後院烤肉。
simple + (event / celebration) — lifestyle choice
The festival celebrates simple country pleasures such as dancing and sharing food.
這個節日慶祝簡單的鄉村樂趣,比如跳舞和分享食物。
simple + pleasures / joys
Yusuf enjoys the simple pleasures of gardening and reading under a tree.
Yusuf 享受簡單的樂趣,比如在樹下種花和看書。
simple + pleasures / joys / life
Ayana grew up in a simple farming community where everyone knew each other well.
Ayana 在一個純樸的農業社區長大,那裡每個人都互相認識。
- simple life
- simple people
- simple pleasures
- simple folk
- humble
emphasises modest social or economic status, not just lack of complexity
- modest
overlaps but more about not showing off wealth or status
- unpretentious
more formal; emphasises lack of desire to impress
- elaborate
opposite in lifestyle — fancy, highly detailed
- extravagant
opposite in the sense of wasteful or showy spending
文法句型
simple + noun (people / folk / life)
用法筆記
Often carries a positive connotation of authenticity or wholesomeness. Distinguish from sense (3) PLAIN, which describes appearance, whereas this sense describes a way of life or character.
6. old-fashioned term for someone who has limited mental ability or is too trusting
愚笨;天真
智力較低或容易受騙的
old-fashioned term for someone who has limited mental ability or is too trusting, making them easy to deceive.
The village priest described Mateo as a simple soul who never questioned anything he was told.
村裡的牧師說 Mateo 是個頭腦簡單的人,別人說什麼他都信。
simple + soul (dated collocation for naive person)
Charlotte's grandmother was described in old family letters as a simple woman who trusted every travelling merchant that came to the village.
Charlotte 的祖母在舊家書中被描述為一個單純的女人,對每個來到村裡的旅行商人都深信不疑。
In the 19th-century novel, the simple farmhand could not tell the difference between a silver coin and a brass button.
在那部 19 世紀的小說中,那個頭腦簡單的農場工人分不清銀幣和銅釦的差別。
simple + farmhand / servant / girl (literary usage)
Nikhil played the role of a simple stable boy in the school play, a character who never doubted anyone's word.
Nikhil 在學校話劇中扮演一個頭腦簡單的馬伕,這個角色從來不懷疑任何人說的話。
The folk tale tells of a simple girl who gave away her family's savings because she believed a stranger's story about a hidden treasure.
這則民間故事講述一個天真的女孩把家裡的積蓄都送給了一個陌生人,因為她相信了那個關於寶藏的謊言。
- simple soul
- simple mind
- simple person
- naive
overlaps in the sense of lacking experience; less offensive and more common
- simple-minded
a clearer compound form, though still potentially offensive
- unsophisticated
neutral; focuses on lack of worldliness rather than mental ability
- intelligent
the most straightforward opposite
- sophisticated
opposite in the sense of worldly experience
文法句型
be + simple
simple + noun (person / soul)
用法筆記
This sense is dated and can be offensive when used to describe a living person. Modern alternatives include 'learning disability' or 'intellectual disability'. In older literature it may also mean 'naive' or 'unsophisticated' without a negative judgment.
常見錯誤
simplest — 名詞
1. a person from a low social class, especially someone who does not belong to the
平民;庶民
出身低微、不屬貴族的人
a person from a low social class, especially someone who does not belong to the nobility.
In medieval times, a simple could not own land the way a noble could.
在中世紀,平民不能像貴族那樣擁有土地。
historical usage: social class distinction
The old document listed the names of nobles separately from those of the simples.
這份舊文件將貴族的名字與平民的名字分開列舉。
Historians study what daily life was like for the simples who worked on the farms.
歷史學家研究在農場工作的平民的日常生活。
Reuben learned that in ancient Rome a simple had very few legal rights.
Reuben 學到在古羅馬,平民幾乎沒有什麼法律權利。
The king's law applied to both nobles and simples alike, at least on paper.
國王的法律至少在名義上同樣適用於貴族和平民。
- noble
a person of high social rank
- aristocrat
a member of the highest social class
文法句型
a/the simple + (of ...)
用法筆記
Very rare in modern English; appears mainly in historical writing or translations of classical literature. 'Commoner' is the usual modern term.
2. someone who believes everything they are told without question, making them an e
易受騙;老實
容易相信別人而受騙的傻子
someone who believes everything they are told without question, making them an easy target for people who want to cheat or trick them.
The con artist looked for simples who would believe any story he told them.
騙子專門找那些他編什麼故事都相信的老實人。
In the play, the simple is the character who gets tricked out of his money every time.
在這齣戲裡,老實人每次都被騙走錢財。
Theo warned his younger cousin not to be a simple and to check the information first.
Theo 警告表弟不要當冤大頭,要先查證資訊。
The villagers took pity on the old simple who had been cheated by the travelling salesman.
村民們同情那位被旅行推銷員欺騙的輕信老人。
After the phone scammer tricked the old man, the whole street said he was a simple for handing over his life savings.
那個老人被電話詐騙後,整條街都說他是個老實人,輕易就把畢生積蓄交了出去。
concrete scenario: phone scam (real-world relevance)
- gullible person
modern; emphasises being easily tricked
- naive person
modern; focuses on inexperience rather than lack of intelligence
- sceptic
a person who doubts or questions before believing
文法句型
a/the simple
用法筆記
Dated or literary. In modern speech, 'naive person' or 'gullible person' is preferred. Only use this noun sense in historical or literary contexts.
3. an old-fashioned and offensive word for someone who lacks basic intelligence or
傻瓜;蠢人
因缺乏判斷力而做蠢事的人
an old-fashioned and offensive word for someone who lacks basic intelligence or common sense and regularly makes foolish decisions on their own, without being tricked by others.
Hiroshi felt like a simple after he locked his keys inside the car for the third time.
Hiroshi 第三次把鑰匙鎖在車裡之後,覺得自己真是個傻瓜。
shows lack of common sense, not gullibility
Kemi spent her entire salary on lottery tickets, and her sister called her a simple for wasting money like that.
Kemi 把整份薪水都拿去買彩券,她姐姐罵她是傻瓜,這樣浪費錢。
shows poor judgment, not gullibility
Liam lost his rent money at poker, and his roommate called him a simple for being reckless.
Liam 打牌輸掉了房租,室友罵他是傻瓜,這麼魯莽地賭博。
call + [person] + a simple (foolish recklessness)
The landlord called his tenant a simple for signing a lease without reading the fine print.
房東罵房客是傻瓜,因為他沒看合約細則就簽了約。
illustrates lack of judgment, not gullibility
The Nguyễn family's uncle called their cousin a simple for borrowing money at a very high interest rate without reading the contract.
Nguyễn 家的叔叔罵他們的表親是傻瓜,借錢不看合約就接受了很高的利息。
shows poor judgment, not gullibility
文法句型
a/the simple
用法筆記
Strongly derogatory and archaic. This sense is essentially synonymous with 'simpleton' but even less common. Not used in modern polite conversation.
4. a plant that is used to make medicine or to treat illness, especially in traditi
藥草;草藥
用作藥材的草本植物
a plant that is used to make medicine or to treat illness, especially in traditional or herbal remedies.
The old healer gathered simples from the forest to make cough syrup for the children.
老草醫從森林裡採集藥用植物,為孩子們熬製止咳糖漿。
historical / herbalist usage
In traditional Chinese medicine, simples like ginseng root are used in many treatments.
在傳統中醫裡,人參根之類的藥用植物用於許多療法。
The monastery garden grew simples such as chamomile, mint, and lavender for the infirmary.
修道院的花園裡種了洋甘菊、薄荷和薰衣草等藥用植物,以供醫務室使用。
Before modern pharmacies, people relied on simples to cure common ailments like headaches.
在現代藥局出現之前,人們依賴藥草來治療頭痛等常見疾病。
Minh's grandmother taught her which simples to pick for treating a sore throat.
Minh 的祖母教她採摘哪些藥草來治療喉嚨痛。
- medicinal plant
the modern standard term
- herb
broader; not all herbs are medicinal
文法句型
a/the simple
simples
用法筆記
Archaic and specialised. The modern term is 'medicinal plant' or 'herbal remedy'. Most English speakers will not recognise this sense today.
5. in historical medicine, a drug or remedy prepared from a single substance rather
單味藥;單方
由單一物質製成的藥品
in historical medicine, a drug or remedy prepared from a single substance rather than a mixture of several ingredients.
The apothecary prepared a simple from dried willow bark to reduce the patient's fever.
藥劑師用乾柳樹皮製成單味藥,為病人退燒。
historical pharmaceutical usage
The old apothecary's journal showed that he made a simple by boiling crushed willow bark to create a fever-reducing drink.
與含多種化學成分的現代藥物不同,單味藥只含一種有效物質。
historical apothecary usage: single-plant preparation
The museum displayed jars of simples that doctors used two hundred years ago.
博物館展示了兩百年前醫生使用的單味藥罐。
Ziad read in an old book that honey on its own was considered a simple for sore throats.
Ziad 在一本舊書中讀到,單獨的蜂蜜就被視為治療喉嚨痛的單方。
Some simples were so strong that a single spoonful could make a patient sleep for hours.
有些單味藥藥效很強,一勺就能讓病人睡上好幾個小時。
- single-drug remedy
a clearer modern phrase, though still technical
文法句型
a/the simple
用法筆記
Extremely rare; found only in historical or specialist contexts about pre-modern pharmacy. Not used in modern medicine.
6. one individual part or unit that, together with others, makes up a larger whole.
基本;元素
構成整體的個別單位
one individual part or unit that, together with others, makes up a larger whole.
The philosopher Leibniz believed the universe is made of tiny indivisible building blocks that he called simples.
Leibniz 主張宇宙是由稱為「單子」的不可分割基本單元所構成。
philosophical usage: indivisible building blocks
In her philosophy class, Tamar learned that a simple is any object with no smaller parts inside it.
在部分論中,一個基本單元被定義為沒有真正部分的物體。
classroom setting: concrete explanation
Tariro's science textbook explained that ancient Greek thinkers considered atoms to be the smallest simples, but today we know atoms can be split into smaller particles.
古希臘哲學家爭論原子究竟是終極基本單元,還是可以進一步分割。
historical science: atoms as simples
In the 1700s, many chemists believed that earth, air, fire, and water were the four simples from which all matter was made.
這位化學家的理論認為所有物質都是由幾個無法再分割的基本單元構成的。
historical chemistry: four elements as simples
Mateo's professor compared a simple to a single Lego brick that cannot be broken into smaller pieces.
在該哲學家的體系中,每個基本單元都不可分割也無法摧毀。
metaphor: simple like a Lego brick
- compound
something made of multiple simples combined
文法句型
a/the simple of [something]
用法筆記
Philosophical or technical term meaning an indivisible basic unit. Very rare outside of academic writing on logic, chemistry, or philosophy.
同根字
- simple形容詞A2
- simply副詞B1
- simplicity名詞B2
- simplify動詞B1
- simplification名詞C1
- simpler形容詞A2
- simplistic形容詞C1
- simpleton名詞C1
常見搭配
常用片語
- in simple terms
- to put it simply
- nice and simple
- keep it simple