simply

UK: /ˈsɪmpli/ US: /ˈsɪmpli/ ,(sim′plē)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sim•ply /ˈsɪmpli/   adv. 

1. in a simple manner;
   clearly:
   He spoke simply and directly.
2. plainly;
   unaffectedly:
   In spite of her great wealth they live simply in a modest house.
3. merely;
   only:
   It is simply a cold.
4. absolutely;
   really:
   Her desserts are simply irresistible.

See -plic-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sim•ply  (sim′plē), adv. 

1. in a simple manner;
   clearly and easily.
2. plainly;
   unaffectedly.
3. sincerely;
   artlessly:
   to speak simply as a child.
4. merely;
   only:
   It is simply a cold.
5. unwisely;
   foolishly:
   If you behave simply toward him, you're bound to be betrayed.
6. wholly;
   absolutely:
   simply irresistible.

• Middle English simpleliche. See simple, -ly 1250–1300

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

simply / ˈsɪmplɪ/ adverb

1. in a simple manner
2. merely; only
3. absolutely; altogether; really: a simply wonderful holiday
4. (sentence modifier) frankly; candidly