simplicity means the state or quality of being simple. It carries an Arena rating of 1527, earned across 6 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, simplicity ranks #377 of 17,126 for Most Elegant Words, #1,137 of 17,134 for Most Malleable Words, #1,374 of 17,130 for Most Beautiful Words, #6,175 of 17,138 for Most Incisive Words.
simplicity is pronounced /sɪmˈplɪsɪti/.
Why “simplicity” is a great word
The quality of being uncomplicated, uncompounded, and free from elaboration. From Middle English *simplicite* (14th century), from Old French *simplicite*, from Latin *simplicitās*, from *simplex* ("simple, single"). Unlike "complexity," which builds labyrinths of interdependent parts, or "nuance," which traffics in subtle shades of meaning, simplicity is the deliberate shedding of excess. It is the clean line of a Shaker chair, the silent space around a haiku, or the cool weight of a river stone worn smooth by time—the quiet dignity of having nothing to prove.
Etymology
From Middle English simplicite, from Old French simplicite, from Latin simplicitās, from simplex (“simple”). See simple. Partially displaced native English onefoldness.
noun
- The state or quality of being simplee.g.“simplicity of dress, of style, or of language”
- The state or quality of being simple; The quality or state of being unmixed or uncompoundede.g.“the simplicity of metals or of earths”
- The state or quality of being simple; The quality or state of being not complex, or of consisting of few parts.e.g.“the simplicity of a machine”
- The state or quality of being simple; Lack of sharpness of mind; lack of ability to think using complex ideas; stupidity
- The state or quality of being simple; Lack of artificial ornament, pretentious style, or luxury; plainness
- The state or quality of being simple; Lack of subtlety or abstruseness; claritye.g.“the simplicity of a doctrine”
- The state or quality of being simple; Lack of complication; efficiency.
- An act or instance of foolishness.e.g.“speaking of the great simplicity we commit, in leaving yong children under the government and charge of their fathers and parents.” — 1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 31, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC:
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
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