Simple
/ˈsɪm.pəl/noun
Easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty.
Did you know?The word 'simple' comes from a root that also relates to 'single' or 'one', suggesting a primordial state of purity and wholeness, often linked to ancient philosophical concepts of existence.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sem-
“to be one, whole, or single.”
Latin
Latin
simplex
“single, straightforward, or uncomplicated.”
Old French
Old French
simple
“plain, uncomplicated, or innocent.”
Middle English
Middle English
simple
“uncomplicated, straightforward, or naive.”
Modern English
English
simple
“easily understood or done; lacking complexity.”
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