simplicity Hear it!

simplicity Definition

sim·plic·ity (sim plis′ə tē)

noun pl. -·ties

  1. a simple state or quality, as of form or composition; freedom from intricacy or complexity
  2. absence of elegance, embellishment, luxury, etc.; plainness
  3. freedom from affectation, subtlety, etc.; artlessness
  4. lack of sense; foolishness

Etymology: ME simplicite < OFr simplicité < L simplicitas

simplicity Synonyms

simplicity

n.

  1. The state of being without complication

    singleness, homogeneity, purity, uniformity, clearness, unity, integrity, monotony.

    Antonyms confusion*, intricacy*, complexity. *

  2. The quality of being plain

    plainness, stark reality, lack of ornament, unadornment, lack of sophistication, bareness, rusticity, homeliness, freedom from artificiality, severity.

    Antonyms sophistication*, ornamentation*, elaboration. *

  3. Artlessness

    naïveté, ingenuousness, primitiveness; see innocence 2.

simplicity Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • combine: Comfortable simplicity combined with a special personal touch, like for example the knocked through fireplace in our bathroom.
  • prefer: Some enjoy making elaborate wands full of symbolism, maybe even including precious gems, others prefer simplicity.
  • admire: I can remember reading Take a Break and admiring the breathtaking simplicity of the concept.
  • retain: The PM3 has a number of new features for the serious rower, while also retaining the simplicity of earlier models.
  • emphasize: Modernist design of houses and furniture also typically emphasized simplicity and clarity of form, open-plan interiors, and the absence of clutter.
  • appreciate: If you've ever tried to connect your guitar to your computer, you'll appreciate the simplicity of the GarageBand Guitar Cable.

Converse of subject

  • characterize: Her emblem is tears and her diction is characterized by simplicity, in sharp contrast to her father.
  • inspire: Inspired by the simplicity of Celtic design, the Isles Experience unfolds before you.

Adjective modifier

  • deceptive: The interactive pieces in Clauss's Flying Puppet gallery become chronologically more complex, yet retain their deceptive simplicity.
  • elegant: Very often an authentic solution will have an elegant simplicity, like a well-designed spade or teapot.
  • rustic: Rustic Simplicity: Scenes of Cottage Life in Nineteenth-Century British Art, Djanogly Art Gallery Lund Humphries, 1998.
  • stark: While the studio resembles the mighty ' School with its stark blue simplicity, the ubiquitous fishing boat still manages to make an appearance.
  • apparent: Despite the apparent simplicity, it results in much head scratching.
  • utter: For we have seen that in the Infinite there is utter simplicity, there are no parts, therefore no possibility of sharing.

Noun used with modifier

drag-and-drop: With drag-and-drop simplicity, photos can be moved and resized within these flexible layouts.

Possessives

sake: For simplicity's sake, let's call it the " fifty per cent " rule.

Preposition: in

mind: With simplicity in mind, I think it is possible to draw a couple of important distinctions.

Preposition: of

  • operation: The design of PPS provides ease of use and simplicity of operation.
  • construction: The first part gives the reader enough information about portfolio building to convince even the most skeptical about its benefits and simplicity of construction.
  • manner: The Quakers, or Society of Friends, were upright, hospitable people and known for their simplicity of manners and public spirit.