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.
simplicity Quotes

Cultivate simplicity,Coleridge.

—Lamb, Charles

Man is an over-complicated organism. If he is doomed to extinction he will die out for want of simplicity.

—Pound, Ezra Loomis

I hate American simplicity. I glory in the piling up of complications of every sort.

—James, Henry

Her bygone simplicity was the art that conceals art.

—Hardy,Thomas

Still to be neat, still to be drest, As you were going to a feast; Still to be powdered, still perfumed, Lady, it is to be presumed, Though art's hid causes are not found, All is not sweet, all is not sound. Give me a look, give me a face, That makes simplicity a grace; Robes loosely flowing, hair as free: Such sweet neglect more taketh me, Than all the adulteries of art; They strike mine eyes, but not my heart.

—Jonson, Ben

The aim of science is always to reduce complexity to simplicity.

—James,William

A taste for simplicity cannot endure for long.

—Delacroix, (Ferdinand Victor) Euge'  ne

There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangersthat werereal and immediate wastheprocess of a rational mind.Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All hehad to dowas ask; and as soon ashe did, he would no longer be crazyand would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to.Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22, and let out a respectful whistle. 'That's some catch, that Catch-22,' he observed. 'It's the best there is,' Doc Daneeka agreed.

—Heller,Joseph

Nothing has raised more questioning among my critics thanthese wordsönoble, thegrand style† Ithink it will be found that the grand style arises in poetry, when a noble nature, poetically gifted, treats with simplicity or with severity a serious subject.

—Arnold, Matthew

Simplicity, without variety, is wholly insipid.

—Hogarth,William

Success never depended on pandering to the public taste. It has always been founded on simplicity.

—Baron