simplify
verb
Simple meaning
To make simpler, either by reducing in complexity, reducing to component parts, or making easier to understand.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
simpluhfySay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈsɪmpləfaɪ
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
verb
Make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent
“We had to simplify the instructions.”
transitive
To make simpler, either by reducing in complexity, reducing to component parts, or making easier to understand.
intransitive
To become simpler.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- B2 · Upper Intermediate (estimated)
- Frequency
- Moderately Common
- Typical Use
- Neutral / general English
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: Make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent
Used this way, simplify is a common word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
“We had to simplify the instructions.”
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Common
- Connotation
- Confusing or complicated
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use simplify
- “We had to simplify the instructions.”verb
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Common Patterns and Combinations
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.