simply

Etymology

From Middle English symply, symplely; equivalent to simple +‎ ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɪmpli/

• Audio (US)

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Adverb

simply (comparative more simply, superlative most simply)

1. (manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
2. (manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety

   Synonyms: clearly, obviously, unquestionably

3. (manner) Weakly; foolishly; stupidly.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Johnson to this entry?)

4. (focus) Merely; solely.
   • 2013 June 1, “Ideas coming down the track”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8838, page 13 (Technology Quarterly):

     A “moving platform” scheme […] is more technologically ambitious than maglev trains even though it relies on conventional rails. […] This set-up solves several problems […]. Stopping high-speed trains wastes energy and time, so why not simply slow them down enough for a moving platform to pull alongside?

   I was simply asking a question.

5. (degree) absolutely, positively.

   That was a simply wonderful dessert.

6. (speech act) Frankly.

   Simply, he just fired you.

Anagrams

• limpsy

Adverb

simply

1. Alternative form of symply