Simplify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈsim-plə-ˌfī/ sim·pli·fy

Meaning & Definition of Simplify

Simplify (verb)

  1. to make simple or simpler
  2. to reduce to basic essentials
  3. to diminish in scope or complexity, streamline

Simplify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make less complex

    "you need to simplify this process somewhat or you'll never finish it today"

    similar: streamline
    related: dumb down, oversimplify, prune, strip (down), trim, purify, refine
    opposite: complex, complexify, complicate, perplex, sophisticate
    near: elaborate

  2. to make plain or understandable

    "the book simplifies for the layman some concepts of economics"

    similar: clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out, unriddle
    related: decipher, decode, analyze, break down, disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle, resolve, solve, define, specify, annotate, commentate, gloss
    opposite: obscure
    near: befog, cloud, confound, confuse, obfuscate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Simplify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Simplify:

streamline, clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out, unriddle

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Simplify

Words with the opposite meaning of Simplify:

complex, complexify, complicate, perplex, sophisticate, obscure

Related Words for Simplify

dumb down, oversimplify, prune, strip (down), trim, purify, refine, decipher, decode, analyze, break down, disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle, resolve, solve, define, specify, annotate, commentate, gloss

Near Antonyms of Simplify

elaborate, befog, cloud, confound, confuse, obfuscate

Word Forms of Simplify

Inflections: simplified, simplifying

Derived words: simplification (noun), simplifier (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Simplify

French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple

First known use: 1750

Frequently Asked Questions about Simplify

What does "Simplify" mean?

"Simplify" means to make simple or simpler. As a verb, it is defined as: to make simple or simpler. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Simplify"?

Other words for "Simplify" include streamline, clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate and explain. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Simplify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Simplify"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Simplify". Common alternatives include streamline, clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explain, explicate and expound.

What is the opposite of "Simplify"?

Antonyms of "Simplify" include complex, complexify, complicate, perplex, sophisticate and obscure. Near antonyms include elaborate, befog, cloud and confound.

How do you use "Simplify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Simplify" in a sentence: "you need to simplify this process somewhat or you'll never finish it today"; "the book simplifies for the layman some concepts of economics".

Is "Simplify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Simplify" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Simplify"?

"Simplify" is pronounced /ˈsim-plə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as sim·pli·fy.

What is the origin of the word "Simplify"?

"Simplify" comes from French simplifier, from Medieval Latin simplificare, from simplus simple. First known use: 1750.