simply

comparative more simply · superlative most simply

1. mannerIn a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.

   Antonyms: complexly

2. mannerPlainly; without art or subtlety.

   ‘No,’ said Stephen simply.

   1930, Margaret Ayer Barnes, Years of Grace, Part II, Chapter IV, page 198

   Synonyms: clearly, obviously, unquestionably

3. mannerFoolishly; stupidly.

   Mrs. Thorold had told her sons that a young lady was visiting at the house, whose history she had given them in short hand, describing her as a dependent on the late Mrs. Willoughby, whom her son had very simply intended to marry at Alvestone […].

   1791, Charlotte Smith, Celestina, Broadview, published 2004, page 179

4. focusMerely; solely.

   I was simply asking a question.

   2 more examples

   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?

   2013 June 1, “Ideas coming down the track”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8838, page 13 (Technology Quarterly)

   Rather than scanning a boarding pass or handing over a passport, you simply stare into a camera and you’re verified.

   2019 May 21, Dylan Curran, “Facial recognition will soon be everywhere. Are we prepared?”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: just, barely, but, just, literally, merely, no more than, nothing but

5. degreeabsolutely, positively.

   That was a simply wonderful dessert.

   2 more examples

   This type of comportment simply won't be tolerated.

   What about the way you love me? / And the way you squeeze me? / Simply beautiful

   1972, Al Green, “Simply Beautiful”

   Synonyms: very, above a bit, absolutely, sorely, widely, horribly, horrendously, bone

6. Frankly.

   Simply, he just fired you.

   1 more example

   It was, quite simply, the best there was in stock.

   Synonyms: honestly, above a bit, actually, all things considered, as a matter of fact, by right, certainly, come to think of it