simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē 

-ˈpli-stē

plural simplicities

1

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

2

a

: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naivete

b

: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a

: directness of expression : clarity

b

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Synonyms of simplicity

• plainness
• unity
• uniformity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions.

the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

Such a complicated form belies the simplicity of much of the language in it. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

This season’s star was the Asa Tote, a large flat architectural shape with asymmetric shoulder straps that shined in its simplicity thanks to the contrasting textures, like in the charming canvas and leather version. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

But there is a certain ascetic simplicity to this labyrinthine heritage building that remains relatively unadorned. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

But the beautiful simplicity of East of Eden has always been its idea that nothing is finished. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing simplicity

• for simplicity's sake
• for the sake of simplicity
• simplicity itself

Rhymes for simplicity

• basicity
• chronicity
• complicity
• cyclicity
• duplicity
• ethnicity
• facticity
• felicity
• helicity
• plasticity
• publicity
• rusticity

Kids Definition

simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural simplicities

1

: the quality or state of being simple

2

: honesty, straightforwardness

3

a

: clearness of expression

b

: the quality or state of being plain

4

: folly sense 1, silliness