Reading Theme:
Simple Meaning: Easy, Plain, and Uncomplicated (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：easy to understand or do (simple)
simple
/ˈsɪmpəl/
adj.
not difficult to understand or do; easy and clear
easy to understand or do
➕
/ˈiːzi tuː ˌʌndərˈstænd ɔːr duː/
adj.
Describes something that is not complicated and can be understood or done with little effort.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'simplus' (single, simple) composed of 'sim-' (one) and '-plus' (fold).
💡 Mnemonic
Remember: SIMple = Single in SIMplicity. It's just one thing!
📖 Example
The recipe was so simple that even a beginner could follow it and make a delicious cake.
The recipe was so simple that even a beginner could follow it and make a delicious cake.
🔗 Collocations
simple solution – a solution that is easy to implement
simple task – a task that requires little effort
simple explanation – an explanation that is easy to understand
🔄 Synonyms
easy (adj.) – not difficult
straightforward (adj.) – easy to understand or do
uncomplicated (adj.) – not complex
🚫 Antonyms
difficult (adj.) – not easy
complicated (adj.) – involving many parts
complex (adj.) – consisting of many interconnected parts
🌱 Derivatives
simplify (v.) – to make simpler
simply (adv.) – in a simple manner
simplicity (n.) – the quality of being simple
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin 'simplus', meaning 'single' or 'plain', 'simple' entered English via Old French. It commonly describes things easy to understand or with minimal decoration.
Meaning 2：plain and without decoration (simple)
simple
/ˈsɪmpəl/
adj.
not fancy or decorated; plain and basic
plain and without decoration
➕
/pleɪn ænd wɪˈðaʊt ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən/
adj.
Describes something that lacks adornment or extra features, focusing on essential elements only.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her room was decorated in a simple style, with white walls and minimal furniture, which made it feel very peaceful.
Her room was decorated in a simple style, with white walls and minimal furniture, which made it feel very peaceful.
🔗 Collocations
simple design – a design with minimal elements
simple clothes – plain, unadorned clothing
simple lifestyle – a way of living that avoids excess
🔄 Synonyms
plain (adj.) – without decoration
basic (adj.) – having only the most necessary features
minimalist (adj.) – characterized by extreme simplicity
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
simplicity (n.) – the quality of being plain
simply (adv.) – in a plain manner
simplistic (adj.) – oversimplified, but related
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser