simply

/ˈsɪmpli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪmpli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsim-plē for sense 1 also -pə-lē/ (ame, mw)

simply — 副詞

1. used to emphasize that something is definitely true or is very strong in degree

1.副詞B1
釋義

簡直；完全

強調語氣，表示程度極高

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.

例句

The view from the hilltop was simply breathtaking, and Paloma took photo after photo.

山頂的景色簡直美得令人屏息，Paloma 不停地拍照。

simply + adjective (breathtaking)

It is simply impossible to finish this project by Friday without more help.

如果沒有更多人手，要在星期五前完成這個專案完全是不可能的。

simply + impossible

同義詞
  • absolutely

    stronger; used with the same adjective patterns

  • truly

    focuses on genuineness rather than degree

  • literally

    more informal and often used for exaggeration

反義詞
  • 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

❌I simply finished my homework.' (when meaning 'completely').
✅I simply adore this song.
💡before strong feeling verbs like 'adore' or before adjectives, 'simply' means 'completely'; before ordinary action verbs, it usually means 'only'.

2. used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated — no bigger

2.副詞B1
釋義

只是；僅僅

表示僅此而已，沒有更多

used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated — no bigger, more important, or more complicated than that.

例句

I simply asked a question; there is no need to get so upset about it.

我只是問了個問題；沒必要為此這麼不高興。

simply + verb for 'only'

Rachel did not fail the course; she simply missed the first week due to illness.

Rachel 並沒有被當掉；她只是因為生病錯過了第一週的課。

同義詞
  • just

    more common in everyday speech; less formal

  • merely

    suggests something is less important or significant

  • only

    more direct; places stronger emphasis on the limit

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

❌The dress is simply gorgeous.' (when meaning 'only').
✅The dress is simply gorgeous.' (meaning 'completely')
💡when 'simply' appears before an adjective like 'gorgeous', it nearly always means 'completely', not 'only'.

3. done or explained with no extra difficulty; clear and simple to follow.

3.副詞B1
釋義

簡單地

以簡單易懂的方式

done or explained with no extra difficulty; clear and simple to follow.

例句

This cookbook explains simply how to prepare a three-course meal in under an hour.

這本食譜書簡單地說明了如何在一小時內準備好三道菜。

explains simply + how to

Indra showed us simply how to fix a leaking tap using only tools from home.

Indra 簡單地向我們示範了如何只用家裡的工具修理漏水的水龍頭。

同義詞
反義詞

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

❌He explained simply the answer.
✅He explained the answer simply.
💡When 'simply' means 'in an easy way', it usually comes after the verb's object, not between the verb and its object.

4. in a basic and unadorned way, without anything extra for decoration, show, or co

4.副詞B2
釋義

樸素地

不加裝飾，樸實無華

in a basic and unadorned way, without anything extra for decoration, show, or complexity.

例句

Anya dressed simply in a white blouse and dark trousers for her interview.

Anya 面試時穿著樸素，只穿了一件白襯衫和深色長褲。

dressed simply

The bedroom was furnished simply — a bed, a desk, and a single wooden chair.

臥室的佈置很簡樸——一張床、一張書桌和一把木椅。

同義詞
  • plainly

    almost identical; stresses lack of decoration

  • modestly

    focuses on humility and not showing off

  • frugally

    emphasizes avoiding waste or spending

反義詞

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.

常見錯誤

❌She dressed simply amazingly.
✅She dressed simply.
💡Do not combine 'simply' (plainly) with another adjective; use 'very' or 'quite' for degree instead.