simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē 

-ˈpli-stē

plural simplicities

1

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

2

a

: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naiveté

b

: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a

: directness of expression : clarity

b

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Synonyms

• plainness
• unsophistication

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions.

the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

Secondly, the industry has perpetuated a culture that values simplicity and tradition over modernization. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025

Minimalist cocktails will remain popular, focusing on simplicity while delivering complex flavors. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Look for simplicity to shine through on those plates, said Jeana Marie Pecha, the executive chef and owner of Omakase Por Favor in Lincoln and, as of November, midtown Sacramento. —Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 3 Jan. 2025

In less than a fortnight, the mood around Wolves has changed beyond belief thanks to a new voice in the dugout and an injection of simplicity into a team that had begun to look muddled. —Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing simplicity

• for simplicity's sake
• for the sake of simplicity
• simplicity itself

Kids Definition

simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural simplicities

1

: the quality or state of being simple

2

: honesty, straightforwardness

3

a

: clearness of expression

b

: the quality or state of being plain

4

: folly sense 1, silliness