simple simple /ˈsɪmpəl/

adjective

1. () Having few parts; not complex, complicated or involved  ( simple )
   having few parts; not complex, complicated or involved
    A simple problem
   a simple problem
    Simple mechanisms
   simple mechanisms
    A simple design
   a simple design
    A simple substance
   a simple substance
   
2. () Easy and not involved or complicated  ( uncomplicated , unproblematic , elementary , simple )
   easy and not involved or complicated
    An elementary problem in statistics
   an elementary problem in statistics
    Elementary, my dear Watson
   elementary, my dear Watson
    A simple game
   a simple game
    Found an uncomplicated solution to the problem
   found an uncomplicated solution to the problem
   
3. () Apart from anything else; without additions or modifications  ( bare , mere , simple )
   apart from anything else; without additions or modifications
    Only the bare facts
   only the bare facts
    Shocked by the mere idea
   shocked by the mere idea
    The simple passage of time was enough
   the simple passage of time was enough
    The simple truth
   the simple truth
   
4. () Exhibiting childlike simplicity and credulity  ( dewy-eyed , round-eyed , wide-eyed , childlike , simple )
   exhibiting childlike simplicity and credulity
    Childlike trust
   childlike trust
    Dewy-eyed innocence
   dewy-eyed innocence
    Listened in round-eyed wonder
   listened in round-eyed wonder
   
5. () Lacking mental capacity and subtlety  ( dim-witted [Informal] , simple-minded , simple )
   lacking mental capacity and subtlety
   
6. Unornamented  ( simple )
   unornamented
    A simple country schoolhouse
   a simple country schoolhouse
    Her black dress--simple to austerity
   her black dress--simple to austerity
   
7. (botany) of leaf shapes; of leaves having no divisions or subdivisions  ( simple , unsubdivided )
   (botany) of leaf shapes; of leaves having no divisions or subdivisions
   

noun

1. [Archaic] A person lacking intelligence or common sense  ( simple [Archaic] , simpleton )
   a person lacking intelligence or common sense
   
2. [Archaic] Any herbaceous plant having medicinal properties  ( simple [Archaic] )
   any herbaceous plant having medicinal properties