simplicity
Americannoun
-
the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.
-
freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts.
an organism of great simplicity.
-
absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness.
a life of simplicity.
-
freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; artlessness; naturalness.
a simplicity of manner.
- Synonyms:
- honesty, directness, candor
-
lack of mental acuteness or shrewdness.
Politics is not a field for simplicity about human nature.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of simplicity
1325–75; Middle English simplicite (< Old French simplicité ) < Latin simplicitās simpleness, equivalent to simplici- (stem of simplex ) simplex + -tās -ty 2
Explanation
Simplicity is a noun that means "the quality of being plain." The simplicity of your prom dress made you stand out in the sea of ruffles and sequins. Simplicity describes a lack of ornamentation, like a Christmas tree that is only decorated with white lights instead of being fancied up with lots of ornaments, tinsel and multi-colored bulbs. The noun simplicity also means "freedom from hardship or effort" like the simplicity of hanging out on your porch. Simplicity also describes something easy to accomplish or understand.
Vocabulary lists containing simplicity
'Tis A Gift To Be Simple: Words For National Simplicity Day
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
poems about transcendental thinking
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When Apple announced the app in the winter of 2024, the simplicity of the pitch was almost adorable.
From Slate • Jun. 10, 2026
Despite its sheer simplicity, khichuri, also known as khichdi, flaunts a rich history.
From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026
Hollywood studios used to make most films and TV series near their headquarters in L.A. for simplicity and efficiency.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
“We deliver the data foundation enterprises rely on across clouds and across data types with the performance, reliability, and operational simplicity required for mission-critical workloads,” CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy said in the company’s February earnings call.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
The original has the marks of early Greek poetry, great simplicity and directness and delight in the beautiful world.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
