Simply

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪmpli/

Definitions

1. In a straightforward manner without complexity or unnecessary additions
2. In a clear and straightforward manner, devoid of complications or superfluous details
3. In a manner that lacks complexity or elaboration ; expressing something as no more than what is stated ; presented so it can be easily grasped

Etymology: "Simply" is a plain case of a word built from an existing one: the adjective "simple" with the adverb-forming ending "-ly" added. Its Middle English form appeared as "symply" or "symplely," and the longer version shows the ending's older shape. The "-lely" form was reduced to "-ly" through haplology, a process in which a repeated or awkward sound sequence is trimmed to make it easier to say. Once the pieces are clear, the word's meaning is easy to follow. "Simple" carries the sense of being uncomplicated or unmixed, and "simply" carries that sense into how an action is done, meaning "in a plain or easy manner." The word has kept that core idea throughout its history, so the adverb simply describes the manner of doing something without extra complexity.

Synonyms: merely, just, only, plainly, easily

Antonyms: complicatedly, difficultly