The spelling of the word "simple" may seem straightforward, but its pronunciation can be tricky for non-native English speakers. In IPA phonetic transcription, "simple" is written as /ˈsɪmpəl/. The "s" sound at the beginning is followed by a short "i" sound, then a "m" sound, and a "p" sound. The vowel in the second syllable is pronounced as a short "e" sound, followed by an "l" sound. It's important to remember the correct spelling and pronunciation of simple to communicate effectively in English language.
Simple is an adjective that describes something in its most basic form, without complexity or intricacy. It refers to a state of being plain, uncomplicated, or easily understandable. When something is simple, it typically lacks any unnecessary elements or details. It is characterized by its straightforwardness and ease of comprehension.
In terms of design, a simple object or artwork would have minimal decoration or embellishment, emphasizing a clean and unadorned style. In the context of technology, a simple device or system would have few features or functions, making it user-friendly and accessible even to those with little technical knowledge. A simple recipe involves using a small number of ingredients and uncomplicated cooking techniques, ensuring the ease of preparation.
Additionally, simple can also describe a person's attributes or behavior. It conveys humility, modesty, and a lack of pretentiousness. A simple person is content with the necessities of life and does not seek excessive material wealth or luxury. Simplicity in personality is often associated with sincerity, genuineness, and authenticity.
Overall, the term "simple" encompasses the fundamental, unadorned essence of an object, concept, or individual, where complexity is intentionally reduced or absent, making it easily understandable, approachable, and down-to-earth.
1. Plain, not complicated, not compound. 2. A medicinal herb.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A medicinal plant.
• Consisting of one thing; not combined; not compounded; not complicated; elementary; artless; harmless; unartificial; true to nature; unadorned; silly; shallow; in bot., not branching; not divided into separate parts, as simple fruits, those formed by one flower.
• Something not mixed or compounded; in med., a single herb or plant, or its particular virtue.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word simple originates from the Latin word simplus, which means uncomplicated, plain, or single-fold. It is derived from the combination of semel meaning once and plus meaning fold or twist. Over time, the term evolved in meaning to also represent innocent or naïve. The word gradually made its way into Middle English as simple, ultimately maintaining its core sense of not complex or not elaborate.