| 释义 |
simpleadj.n.adv.int. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French simple. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman sinple, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French simple (French simple ) (adjective) (of people) characterized by a lack of knowledge or education, (of a text, language, etc.) clear, straightforward (both early 12th cent.), friendly, affable (mid 12th cent.), humble, modest (mid 12th cent.), foolish, gullible, credulous (late 12th cent.), (of clothing) unadorned (c1200), (of people) low-born, of (relatively) low social status (first quarter of the 13th cent.), (of medical preparations) uncompounded (13th cent.), (of people or their countenance) sorrowful, sad (early 14th cent.), (of a thing) not composite or complex (late 14th cent.), (of a word) not compound or complex (early 15th cent.), (noun) foolish person (late 13th cent.), uneducated person (beginning of the 15th cent.), ingredient of a medicine that is found in nature, especially a medicinal herb (1546) < classical Latin simplex having a single layer, having a single channel, consisting of one element, not accompanied by anything else, alone, plain, basic, absolute, straightforward, free from qualifications or conditions, free from decoration, plain, (of medical preparations) uncompounded, (of words) not compound, (of people or character) artless, ingenuous, naive, in post-classical Latin also low-born, foolish (from 12th cent. in British sources), ordinary (as opposed to festival) (13th cent. in a British source), related to classical Latin simplus , designating the amount paid (as opposed to e.g. duplus duple adj.), which is cognate with ancient Greek ἁπλοῦς (uncontracted ἁπλόος ) single, simple (see haplo- comb. form), the first element in both being < an ablaut variant of the Indo-European base of same adj. In simplex the second element is related to Latin plicāre (see plicate v.), ancient Greek πλέκειν ‘to fold’; compare -fold suffix.Compare Old Occitan simple , Spanish simple , Portuguese simples , Italian semplice (all 13th cent.), Catalan simple (14th cent.). Compare also Middle Dutch sempel , simpel (Dutch simpel ), Middle Low German simpel ( > Old Danish (in late sources) simpel (Danish simpel ), and perhaps also Old Swedish (in late sources) simpel (Swedish simpel )), Middle High German simpel (in late sources; German simpel ). Specific senses. With sense A. 21b compare Middle French, French nombre simple (1484). With the uses as noun compare classical Latin simplicia (neuter plural) medicinal preparations, post-classical Latin simplices (masculine plural) naive or ignorant people (early 3rd cent. in Tertullian), simplex humble or ordinary person (from 13th cent. in British sources). Early attestation as surname. Attested as a surname in British sources from the early 13th cent., although what is apparently the earliest example (Robertus le Sinple, 1202) may reflect currency in Anglo-Norman rather than in Middle English. A. adj. I. Unsophisticated, humble, plain; of low or ordinary status. In senses A. 1, A. 2, A. 3, A. 4, A. 5 chiefly of a person, in uses which (especially in early use) frequently show overlap with one another.the world > action or operation > behaviour > unaffectedness or naturalness > [adjective] > artless, guileless, or innocent ?c1225 (?a1200) (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 103 [False ancres] habbeð efter þe fox an simple sembant sumchere & beoð þach ful of gile. a1300 (c1275) (1991) l. 590 Ȝe [sc. the culver] ne haueð in hire non galle—Simple & softe be we alle. c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. x. 16 Be ȝe war..as serpentis, and symple as dowues. c1450 (?a1400) (Ashm.) l. 4404 To sawe emang þir simpill men sedis of debate. 1565 J. Jewel xvii. 556 Wherein also appeareth some suspicion of no simple dealinge. 1608 W. Shakespeare xiv. 42 Be simple answerer [1623 simple answer'd], for we know the truth. View more context for this quotation 1781 E. Gibbon (1787) III. xxxi. 191 The edict which the fanaticism of Olympius dictated to the simple and devout emperor. 1842 E. Bulwer-Lytton 27 A simple heart may be its own best guide. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in 244 The simple, fearful child meant nothing, but my own too-fearful guilt..betrays itself. 1952 19 Nov. 4/3 Let no one think these boys were innocent, simple boys who had been led astray. 2011 (Nexis) 1 July I was a simple child who never did any kind of mischief. the mind > emotion > humility > modesty > [adjective] c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 1180 in C. Horstmann (1887) 140 His oste nam wel gode ȝeme..hov luytel he et him-selue, with wel simple mode. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) iv. l. 1187 I am so simple of port, That forto feigne som desport I pleie with hire litel hound. ?c1450 tr. (1906) 84 She deigned not to do reuerence and worshippe unto the kinge..for because he was symple and debonaire. 1508 W. Dunbar Goldyn Targe (Chepman & Myllar) in (1998) I. 192 Be ewir obedient, Humble, subiect, and symple of entent. 1630 J. Wadsworth (new ed.) iii. 30 A third sort of Iesuites there are, not vnfitly termed simple ones; these are wonderfull austere in their life. 1738 J. Wesley (new ed.) xxxii. ii Harmless, and pure, and undefil'd, A simple Follower of the Lamb. 1855 Ld. Tennyson Maud x. iv, in 38 A man with heart, head, hand, Like some of the simple great ones gone For ever and ever by. 1968 11 Feb. 17/4 He was basically a simple man without airs or pretence, who lunched on hamburgers in the studio restaurant. 2012 S. Hamdy iv. 117 In his self-presentation, he always remained a simple, humble figure. 3. society > society and the community > social class > the common people > low rank or condition > [adjective] c1300 St. Edward Elder (Laud) l. 95 in C. Horstmann (1887) 49 Among lowe Men and simple deol þere was i-nouȝ. a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 714 Þer nys lord in no lond..þat soþli nere simple i-nouȝ þat semly to haue. 1474 W. Caxton tr. (1883) iii. i. 78 Kynge Dauid that was first symple & one of the comyn peple. 1570 J. Foxe (rev. ed.) II. 1346/1 Thomas Cromwell,..borne of a simple parentage & house obscure. 1667 J. Milton xii. 365 His place of birth a solemn Angel tells To simple Shepherds. View more context for this quotation 1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson IV. 323 There's wealth and ease for gentlemen, And semple-folk maun fecht and fen. 1832 tr. J.-M. Gérando iv. 53 An old soldier..had been taken home by a simple workman. 1983 P. Kurth (1985) I. ii. 65 A friend asked Anastasia how she, a Russian Grand Duchess, could possibly have brought herself to live with such ‘simple people’ as the Tschaikovskys. 2016 (Nexis) 26 July The real situation of the country can be elevated by simple folks like workers, farmers and the urban poor. society > authority > office > holder of office > [adjective] > other types of official generally society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [adjective] > ordinary or not further distinguished c1380 (1879) l. 354 Y am come her .o. semple knyȝt y-redy with þe to fiȝte. 1389 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt (1931) 49 Ȝif it so bifalle þat a symple brother dye. 1474 W. Caxton tr. (1883) ii. iv. 50 Alexander of Macedone cam on a tyme lyke a symple knyght vnto the court of Porus kynge of Inde. a1513 W. Dunbar (1998) I. 227 A sempill vicar I can not be. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. iii. 77 Salisbury and Warwick are no simple Peeres. View more context for this quotation 1657 12/2 One of the simple new made Knights. 1855 T. B. Macaulay III. xiv. 456 Perhaps no simple presbyter of the Church of England has ever possessed a greater authority over his brethren. 1927 Feb. 184/1 Then, in descending order, come Archbishops, Bishops, monsignori.., and simple priests. 2012 A. J. Kosto ii. 30 Hostages guaranteed debts ranging from those of kings to those of simple knights. 4. the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > stupidity, dullness of intellect > [adjective] the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [adjective] the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [adjective] > of the mind, etc. the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > stupidity, dullness of intellect > [adjective] > of actions, ideas, etc. a1325 (c1280) (Pepys 2344) (1927) l. 2348 Whanne hi þat lewede were So gret clergye speke anon, symple men to lere. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 4435 (MED) Men of symple connyng He sal turne thurgh miracles and prechyng. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart I. ciii. 123 They had sene parte of the demeanour of the frenchemen, the which they thoght to be but symple. ?1527 tr. sig. B.iv As symple as my boke was (for I knowe well inough myn own imbecillyte) yet somoche more feble was your cause. 1612 J. Brinsley xix. 219 If there be one simple in a fourme or harder of learning then the rest, they will make him a right Asinus. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 8 Ile shew my minde, According to my shallow simple skill. View more context for this quotation 1780 W. Cowper 506 Women,..With all the simple and unletter'd poor, Admire his learning. 1865 J. B. Mozley i. 22 The religion too of the intelligent as well as of the simpler portion of society. 1954 June 344/1 Appalling arithmetical problems, such as the one of trains passing one another at speed on double lines—the simpler pupils longed for all railways to be single-track. the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > foolishness, folly > [adjective] the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > weakness of intellect > simplicity, simple-mindedness > [adjective] 1604 E. Grimeston tr. 63 A Germaine..was lame of halfe his body, and simple. 1712 J. Arbuthnot i. 8 The good old Gentlewoman was not so simple as to go into his Projects, she began to smell a Rat. a1817 J. Austen (1818) II. xv. 300 You are fretting about General Tilney, and that is very simple of you. View more context for this quotation 1883 W. H. Cope (at cited word) He be quite simple, poor chap. 2003 J. Eclair in M. Hardee & J. Fleming 84 Not all there, is she? I've a second cousin a bit simple. 2006 F. Chalk (2009) 31 ‘It's such a waste,’ she says, looking at me as though I'm simple. the mind > emotion > suffering > misery > [adjective] c1330 (?c1300) (Auch.) l. 4050 (MED) Be þe sweuene ful wel I wat, Þat Beues is in semple stat. a1425 (?c1350) (1964) l. 2107 (MED) Sir Ywayn..herd his murnyng haly all..And sone it said with simepel chere, [etc.]. c1540 (?a1400) (2002) f. 126v His worshipful wife..With his Suster beside..Þat were sory for þe sight Semple of chere. 6. the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > simplicity > [adjective] society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > plainness > [adjective] a1382 Prefatory Epist. St. Jerome in (Bodl. 959) (1959) vii. l. 44 Ȝif þou byholdist þe story, þe wordeȝ ben symple, ȝif in þe lettreȝ þou byholdist þe preuy wytt, þe fewnes of þe chyrch..ben Itold. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 73 Als þai haf wryten & sayd haf I alle in myn Inglis layd in symple speche as I couth þat is lightest in mannes mouth. 1564 tr. P. M. Vermigli f. 86 Godly & iust men ought both to vse playne & simple wordes. 1696 E. Phillips (new ed.) Simple Style, an easie plain Stile. 1751 T. Gray viii. 6 The short and simple annals of the poor. 1827 W. Scott vii It is, however, but a very simple tale, and may have no interest for persons beyond Janet's rank of life or understanding. 1860 J. W. Warter II. 446 The simplest sermons, conveyed in the simplest language, usually do most good. 1922 H. L. Mencken 3rd Ser. viii. 174 He purged his style of ornament and it became almost baldly simple. 2015 (Nexis) 16 Jan. Unlike several other films, it's a simple story without any ornamentation. the mind > emotion > humility > modesty > [adjective] > in appearance c1390 (a1376) W. Langland (Vernon) (1867) A. ix. l. 110 He was long and lene, to loken on ful symple [c1400 Trin Cambr. R.3.14 adds Was no pride on his apparail, ne no pouert noþer]. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich xliii. l. 53 (MED) The Cristene..Comen forth In Symple Aray..and seten down vppon the grownde. a1500 (?c1450) xxvi. 478 The kynge Loot and his knyghtes..hadde don of theire helmes from theire heedes and valed theire coiffes of mayle vpon theire sholderes and com full symple. 1633 T. Stafford i. xviii. 106 Cloathed in a simple mantle, and torne trowses. 1664 R. Flecknoe Short Disc. Eng. Stage in sig. G7 Theaters..of former times..were but plain and simple, with no other Scenes, nor Decorations of the Stage, but onely old Tapestry. 1759 VII. xi. vi. 138 Their dress is very simple, consisting only in a cloth wrapped about them. 1843 J. H. Bloom 187 The simple and pleasing style of ornament employed in its decoration. 1920 R. Hughes x. 261 Her frock was as simple and fashionable a garment as would be expected of a butcheress. 1998 Christmas 27/2 (caption) A natural, unbleached mount and simple navy frame set off the image. 7. the world > food and drink > food > meal > [adjective] > qualities of meals the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > moderation in sensuous gratification > [noun] > simple life the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > moderation in sensuous gratification > [adjective] > simple life a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 227 Caym..tornede symple lyuynge [of] men to fyndynge of mesures and of wyȝtes. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 209 He..usede symple mete and clooþ, and þat by þe apostles loore. a1400 (a1325) (Gött.) l. 13272 Chese him felaus will he bigin,..mene men of simpil lijf. c1430 N. Love (Brasenose e.9) (1908) 64 Mekenesse, pouerte, and buxumnesse, that weren openly schewed in her symple dwellynge. 1533 T. Paynell tr. U. von Hutten xvii. f. 41 Certayne diseased..were broughte to poore fare and symple meate. 1596 E. Spenser vi. ix. sig. Gg4v His simple home; Which though it were a cottage clad with lome [etc.] . View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil 119 Simple his Bev'rage; homely was his Food. View more context for this quotation 1820 P. B. Shelley iii. iii. 104 A cave,..A simple dwelling, which shall be our own. 1877 June 775 Yes, she cries, the simple life is the true one! 1909 H. G. Wells vii. 138 The Goopes were..following a fruitarian career..and they had reduced simple living to the finest of fine arts. 1930 17 Dec. 9/6 Our main object will be the provision of simple accommodation for walkers. 1967 27 Dec. a2/6 Just remember that Hippies prefer the simple life. 2013 (Nexis) 5 June 1 A simple meal consisting of soup and bread rolls. the world > action or operation > behaviour > unaffectedness or naturalness > [adjective] > unsophisticated 1613 S. Purchas v. xvi. 452 The Inhabitants are simple, liue sparingly, and are attyred like other..Moluccans. 1785 T. Holcroft tr. Comtesse de Genlis I. 151 The simple inhabitants of the village live in innocence and peace. 1821 P. B. Shelley 24 Pastoral people.., Simple and spirited; innocent and bold. 1941 20 Jan. 4/2 One of our unfailing joys out here is seeing simple, unspoiled native folk from the Pacific islands making movies. 2016 G. McIver vi. 157/3 He painted rural landscapes with simple peasants and country life. 8. society > trade and finance > trading conditions > [adjective] > specific state of market society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > low price or rate > [adjective] a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 373 He usede forours of symple prys..bote he usede more skynnes of lombe þan of oþere bestes. 1437 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1437 §18. m. 6 If..utterance and sale of the seid wolle..be so escarse and symple as likly is to be. 1577 S. Robson sig. Aiiiv A thing of weight, and wun for simple price, Reiect by fooles, but purchast by the wise. the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [adjective] > of little worth c1440 (?a1400) l. 967 (MED) Siche sex ware to symple to semble with hym one. 1509 A. Barclay (Pynson) f. clxiv They spoyle this pore man, so that sympyll is his porcion. 1595 S. Daniel v. ii. sig. Aav Supposing some small power would haue restrain'd Disordred rage, sends with a simple crew Syr Humfry Stafford. 1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. J. Albert de Mandelslo 62 in It lies almost in the midst of the Kingdome, and till of late was but a simple Village. 1875 Ld. Tennyson 668 Their wise men..scoff'd at him, And this high Quest as at a simple thing. the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily weakness > [adjective] 1477 T. Kela in (2004) II. 436 It is but a sympill oke þat [is] cut down at the firste stroke. 1486 sig. diiiv The symplest of theis .iij. will slee an Hynde calfe. a1500 (?c1450) vii. 116 Thei were so astoned with the hete of the fier that theire deffence was but symple. 1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher ii. iv. 104 Queen. I am a simple woman, much too weake T'oppose your cunning. View more context for this quotation 1839 G. C. Lewis 93 Simple, sickly, feeble, helpless. 1882 E. L. Chamberlain 28 Joe's a bit better, but e's mighty simple, 'e canna stand scahrcely. 1969 D. Griffiths 32 Simple, feeble; sickly. 9. Roman Catholic Church. society > faith > worship > liturgical year > feast, festival > [adjective] > semi-double 1389 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt (1931) 49 (MED) On sondayes & on othere symple festes two schul be liȝt of þe fyue tapres atte heiȝe masse. a1500 Rule Minoresses in W. W. Seton (1914) 113 (MED) Festis simples or lasse be þo festis whoche be nat dowblis, ne of þe holi Croys, ne of þe awngelis, ne of þe apostlis..ne festis solempnis. 1570 J. Foxe (rev. ed.) I. 663/2 This Festum..groweth in it selfe and multiplieth..into feast double, and to feast simple. 1639 R. F. tr. A. S. de Salo ii. x. 355 On simple feasts and those of lesser obligation, it may suffice before we go to bed, to incline only once or twice in their reuerence. 1722 N. Bailey 190 On other simple Feasts, two to be lighted at High Mass. 1884 W. E. Addis & T. Arnold 344/1 On lesser feasts the office was simple—i.e. the feast was merely commemorated. 1913 IX. 1981/1 On feriæ and simple feasts there is only one nocturn. 2005 A. Tacconi ii. 75 At Santa Maria del Fiore it was celebrated as a simple feast. the world > time > period > a day or twenty-four hours > [adjective] > not special or ordinary c1450 (?c1425) St. Mary of Oignies ii. viii, in (1885) 8 173 (MED) She discriued wiþ herte holy-dayes fro werke-dayes, bycause þat solempne dayes sauered hir swetter þan sympil dayes. 1481 W. Caxton tr. iii. x. sig. l1 In worshipyng our lord on hye dayes and symple. 10. ?1404 in (1961) 34 199 (MED) Be thomas preston, youre simpyll prest and yowre dewotte bedmann. a1450 (1885) 112 I praye þe, lord, for thy grete myght, Vnto thy symple seruand see. 1481 W. Caxton in tr. (1893) 311 Reduced out of ffrensshe in to englysshe by me symple persone Wylliam Caxton. 1539 in J. W. Clay (1902) VI. 88 My simple bodie to be buried at Ratclif. 1611 sig. A2 Sundry vnfained Louers of the truth, and welwillers to my simple selfe. 1793 R. G. Lee iii. i. 40 My simple self, Which tho' I boast and hold it at your hands, Is of so little value. 1832 ‘G. Greendrake’ (ed. 4) iii. iii. 305 I beg the antiquarians not to fall foul of me; I am but a simple angler, and only relate matters as they were told to me. 1871 Extra Christmas No., 4 Dec. 22/2 He was dancing even at this moment with the ladies who were quite his equals, yet whom he had not found so lovable as simple me. 1948 C. Porter We open in Venice in R. Kimball (1983) 274 Not stars like L. B. Mayer's are we, but just a simple band who roams about the land dispensing fol-de-rol frivolity. 1997 (Nexis) 14 Nov. 12 a It seems to your simple servant that Minnesota would be well-served by confining witch hunts to Halloween. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [adjective] > of things society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > plainness > [adjective] > humble c1443 ( J. Lydgate Henry VI's Entry into London in N. H. Nicolas & E. Tyrrell (1827) 250 On my rudenes..to have pite, My symple makyng for to take at gre. 1560 J. Daus in tr. J. Sleidane Ep. sig. Aiii Humbly beseching your honour to accept this simple translation. 1634 W. Lathum Ep. Ded. sig. A3v To this my simple memoriall of him, I have (as a poore Post-script) added diverse Emblemicall Essayes. 1724 E. Dunn sig. a All this Labour must be look'd upon as a simple Essay. II. Not composite or complicated; without addition or qualification. the world > relative properties > wholeness > state or quality of being simple, unmixed, or uncompounded > [adjective] > without addition or qualification the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [adjective] a1325 (c1280) (Pepys 2344) (1927) l. 1966 Ȝif a clerk..haþ in his ffolye A symple þufþe y-don..Þanne comeþ fforþ ech rybaud..And seiþ, ‘lo! þis clerkes, what lif hi wolleþ drye!’ 1340 (1866) 134 Þet me ylefþ god ope his simple worde þet al is zoþ þet he zayþ. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine f. ccj/2 Wicked spirites went out of the bodyes of creatures by his symple regarde & syghte. 1578 in (2007) 1578/7/34 The haill injureis and attemptatis committit of befoir..suld be reparit to the sempill availl. 1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio 74 It was not probable they shoulde yeelde vpon a simple Letter. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) v. i. 212 Nere may I looke on day,..But she tels to your Highnesse simple truth. View more context for this quotation 1733 A. Pope i. 105 Yet simple Nature to his hope has giv'n..an humbler Heav'n. 1857 W. A. Miller (1862) iii. §4. 219 Many of the compounds..have an affinity for oxygen so powerful that they take fire by simple contact with it. 1971 13 May 12/8 Simple fatigue comes on much more quickly too than it used to. 2005 J. Canseco 113 The simple fact is that the media can make or break you. 12. the world > plants > valued plants and weeds > [adjective] > medicinal the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [adjective] > composed of single ingredient the world > matter > colour > colouring > dyeing > [adjective] > derived from vegetables a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. x. iii. 555 An element is symple and lest particle of a body þat is compowned. a1500 ( G. Ripley (Ashm.) l. 837 (MED) Guydo..sayethe by rotyng dyethe the compownd corporall, and yen..vsurpyng a-gayne, regenerat, symple, & spirituall. 1669 W. Simpson 372 Volatile saline Spirit, either simple or aromatiz'd with Essences. 1725 I. Watts i. ii. 23 A Needle is a simple Body, being made only of Steel; but a Sword or a Knife is a Compound. 1859 i. 104 In Paris I learned to abjure café au lait, and to drink my tea simple. 2005 38 383 In the 1760s it was discovered that the air in the atmosphere was not a simple substance, but that it was composed of different kind [sic] of ‘airs’. 1555 T. Cottesford tr. U. Zwingli i. 3 The Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost are thre persones, but the Essence & substance of them is simple, vnmixte and but one alone. 1656 T. Stanley II. v. 91 If desire and fear are not principall passions, it will doubtlesse follow, that none of the other affections are simple. a1676 M. Hale (1677) 11 Though he is but one, and one most simple uncompounded Being. 1835 14 He could have been ignorant of nothing had His nature been simple, or of one kind only. 1900 13 Sept. 6/3 Our sense impressions were for the most part not simple but mixed. 2011 R. K. Soulen 264 Divine names describe the simple being of God rather than composite attributes thereof. the world > relative properties > wholeness > state or quality of being simple, unmixed, or uncompounded > [adjective] > composed of one part a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. cxxvii. 1368 Þe cercle is most symple figure, and most fongeþ, and moste clene wiþoute corneres. a1500 (a1475) G. Ashby Dicta Philosophorum l. 1142 in (1899) 94 Thre thinges be in a right simpul knot. 1590 T. Hood tr. P. de La Ramée iv. f. 3 A prime figure is that which cannot bee deuided into other figures more simple then it selfe. 1731 (Royal Soc.) 37 107 Then they fasten Potlarts to the several simple Chords, that draw up the Rings. 1779 No. 24 Take the simplest blossom that blows. 1889 G. M. Hopkins (1893) xii. 255 The only simple device for exhibiting the rings and brushes of wide-angled crystals is the tourmaline tongs. 1907 Jan. 16 Lino-cutting..is..so easy that almost any simple design can be cut double crown size in an evening. 2006 May 46/1 It is such a simple structure, just a set of A-frames and purlins for the roof and a couple of pillars. the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > not complex the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > [adjective] > uncomplicated 1555 R. Eden tr. P. Giovio Libellus de legatione Basilii in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria f. 286v They haue fewe and simple lawes throwghe owte all the kyngedome. 1670 R. Baxter Pref. sig. A3v The simple terms of Christian Unity left us by Christ and his Apostles. 1704 J. Norris II. xii. 446 God never does that by difficult ways, which may be done by ways that are simple and easie. 1860 J. Tyndall ii. x. 277 A simple calculation determined the daily motion of the stake. 1902 13 Mar. p. iv (advt.) It is simple to cook, looks good, tastes good, is good. 1998 30 Nov. 86/2 Occam's razor: the simplest explanation fitting the facts is probably the right one. 2015 (U.K. ed.) May 47/1 Zoë sent me an email suggesting a simple way of staying in touch. III. Specific and technical uses related to branch A. II.society > law > rule of law > illegality > [adjective] > legally invalid or faulty > of limited legal validity > not specially supported or confirmed society > law > legal obligation > contract > [adjective] > specific other types 1340 (1866) 225 Þet is to onderstonde of ham þet byeþ ine þe stat of simple wodewehod, naȝt of þan þet byeþ ine þet stat y-bounde be heste... Ac alneway yef þe beheste is simple, þet is to zigge, huanne hi is do priueliche and wyþ-oute solemnete. 1371 in H. M. Flasdieck (1926) 102 (MED) Robart atte Wanstalle feffydde a ȝen Thomas Gylys with a chartere simple with þylke same ij acres. 1438 in L. F. Salzman (1992) App. B. 512 The said Alayn Richard John Tuttewyf..ben bounden in an obligacion symple to the said William Benet..in lx li. of sterlyng. 1530 C. St. German xi. f. xxviiiv A man is indetted to a nother vpon a symple contracte. 1651 T. Ireland 15 Payment is no plea without an acquittance no more then upon a simple bond. a1768 J. Erskine (1773) II. iv. i. 647 Simple reductions, where improbation is not also libelled, are now seldom made use of. 1804 W. Cruise III. 46 A general resignation bond, simple and unattended with any other fact or circumstance. 1918 F. S. Philbrick tr. R. Huebner xvi. 754 In form, the joint testament was an ordinary simple testament. 2008 K. Barrett xiii. 128 Claims are not barred for six years under simple contracts. the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > types > [adjective] > relating to other types of disease a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vii. xxxix. 387 Þat feuer is syimple þat comeþ of one matiere irootid onlich in one place. a1400 tr. Lanfranc (Ashm.) (1894) 31 (MED) In two maner he is clepid a symple wounde: oon maner, for he haþ not lost of fleisch; anoþer maner, for he haþ noon oþir sijknesse wiþ him, ne is nouȝt distemperid. ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 21 (MED) Som apostemez..forsoþ bene made of þe dominion, i. lordship or maistership, of one humour; þai bene called symple. ?1541 R. Copland Formularie of Helpes of Woundes & Sores in sig. Sivv Al symple woundes..ben new woundes in the partyes of ye flesshe, that onely requyreth consolydacyons. 1580 T. Blundeville (rev. ed.) iv. ii For, as they [sc. causes] be simple or compound, so doe they ingender simple or compound diseases. 1672 R. Wiseman i. i. 4 Thus much is required of us if the Wound be only Simple; but if it be a Compound Wound with loss of substance, or Contusion, then he hath somewhat more to do. 1739 J. Sparrow tr. H. F. Le Dran lxxxv. 262 The Suppuration proceeding kindly, the Wound became a simple Wound. 1819 S. Cooper (ed. 4) I. i. xii. 128 A wound is called simple when it occurs in a healthy subject; has been produced by a clean, sharp-edged instrument; is unattended with any serious symptoms; and the only indication is to re-unite the fresh-cut surfaces. 1877 C. H. Burnett 223 Simple Erythema is usually caused by local irritation from bites of insects. 1892 R. Boyce viii. 146 The simple tumours [of connective tissue] very often indeed become malignant. 1911 6 Apr. 482/1 We need a clear picture of the earlier symptoms in simple duodenal ulcer to aid us in making an earlier diagnosis before serious complications occur. 1951 39 708/1 We have classified the acute cases into three groups: simple acute appendicitis, perforated appendicitis with local peritonitis, and perforated appendicitis with diffuse peritonitis. 1967 23 Dec. 721/2 Hibernoma, or brown fat lipoma, is a rare variant of simple lipoma. 2009 J. Smith & C. Martin vi. 158 Simple craniosynostosis is a synostosis of a single suture with no involvement of the facial skeleton. 17. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vii. lxix. 435 For but he knowe what medicine is symple, what componed, what coolde and what hoot..he may neuer [sikerly] passe forþ and worche in medycyne. ?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 152v in at Simple Medicynes þat ben simpel in þe first case ben þes: vineger, alle maner of claies, and marbel grounden, [etc.]. c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in f. 102 (MED) If þe quytture be wiþouten hete, and þe membre also, þanne it schal be waischen wiþ þe decoccioun of mirtill, horhowne, and sauge..or symple or compouned wiþ hony. 1542 sig. gii I would with the counsell of some learned & good phisicion, you vsed symple medycines as nighe as wer possible. 1621 R. Burton ii. iv. i. v. 445 Those old Physitions had no such mixtures; a simple potion of Hellebor, in Hippocrates time was the ordinary purge. 1738 tr. S. Guazzo 7 Not Esculapius himself, can, by the Means of Medicine, either Simple or Compound,..give you the least Help. 1825 E. Hewlett xi. 145 A tablespoon full of simple peppermint water. 1868 9 114 When the pharmaceutist is compelled to prepare the simple powders upon his own premises, the directions given in the Codex..may be useful. 1904 59/1 Simple Tincture of Benzoin... Macerate the benzoin in sixteen fluid ounces of the alcohol for one hour, with frequent agitation. 1983 72 116 The Bach ‘flower remedies’ which are simple herbal tinctures. 1996 J. E. F. Reynolds (ed. 31) 1809/3 Aqueous Cream has sometimes been known as Hydrous Emulsifying Ointment and Simple Ointment. ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 8v (MED) Symple & pure flesh..is founden in þe ende of þe ȝerd & atuix þe teþ. c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in f. 11v (MED) Of consimile membris summe ben symple as þe fleisch & þe senewe & þe boon, And summe ben compound as þe corde, þe brawne, & þe hand; Symple þei ben callid for þei ben not compowned of dyuers substaunce. 1543 B. Traheron tr. J. de Vigo i. ii. f. iii/1 Nowe that we haue spoken of symple membres it is conuenient that we traicte of membres compounde. 1594 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye II. 29 The partes then of the body are diuided into two sortes or kindes: the first is, the simple or similary parts. 1683 A. Snape Introd. sig. B3 These are called simple or similar, because every particle of them is of the same name and substance; as every part of a bone is bone, &c. Yet three of these ten, though they are generally accounted simple parts, if strictly taken cannot be reputed so. 1721 tr. L. Heister 11 (heading) Of the Similar or Simple Parts. 1975 13 523 Aristotle's ‘similar or simple parts’ are Galen's ‘simple parts’, those which remain what they are even when cut into small pieces (e.g. bone and skin). the world > relative properties > wholeness > state or quality of being simple, unmixed, or uncompounded > [adjective] 1818 A. T. Thomson (ed. 2) i. p. xlii Sulphur... I have..followed Dr. Thomson in regarding it as a simple solid. 1843 J. A. Smith (ed. 2) 11 The number of simple, or elementary substances, at present known..is fifty-four. 1922 T. M. Lowry xi. 116 Many substances which have been regarded until recently as pure, simple substances, or elements (e.g., chlorine) have been proved to be mixtures. 2016 N. W. Best in E. R. Scerri & G. Fisher iii. 52 Lavoisier moved ammonia from the simple substance column and reclassified it as a compound. 18. ?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (Paris) (1971) 75 [Apostemes] þat ben made..of þe lordschippe of one humour, þai..ben cleped of a symple name. Whiche þat ben made of the lordschippe of two humours or of many..ben cleped of a compowned name. 1530 J. Palsgrave 68 Dyvers substantyves be symple, that is to saye, be nat compounde with any other wordes. c1590 J. Leech sig. Lv I must looke whether the verbe be simple or compounde. 1656 T. Blount at Un An English Privative, which may be added at pleasure to simple words. 1727 J. T. Philipps 234 A Word that is not composed of two Words, is call'd a Simple Word; a Word that is composed of two or more Words, is called a Compound Word. 1875 P. H. E. Brette & G. Masson tr. A. Brachet ii. i. 57 The operation by which a new termination is affixed to the simple word to give it a fresh meaning is termed derivation. 1923 B. Karlgren iii. 32 The formation of what may be called synonym-compounds..consists in coupling together two simple words with the same or at least analogous meanings. 1988 N. F. Blake iv. 76 In addition to the many simple prepositions such as at, by, in and to, there are complex ones such as according to, instead of and in comparison with. the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > vowel > [adjective] > types of 1582 R. Mulcaster xvii. 119 C, is strong like to k, before a, o, u, either simple vowells, or combined in dighthongs. a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xviii, in (1640) III The change of Vowells is, either of simple Vowells, or of Dipthongs. 1724 T. Wilson 49 We have twenty Diphthongs, tho' many of them have only the Sound of simple Vowels, and particularly our oo and ou are mightily out of Order. 1838 G. P. Marsh tr. R. Rask 49 This adjective is a monosyllable with a simple vowel. 1951 G. L. Trager & H. L. Smith i. 28 Most Northern Middle Western speakers have simple vowel before final or pre-consonantal r. 2016 S. Duanmu 3 Diphthongs and triphthongs should be decomposed into simple vowels. 1669 W. Walker v. 126 As Words and Phrases in a simple Sentence, so the several Clauses of a compounded Sentence, may be placed with more or less Elegancy. 1795 L. Murray 86 A simple sentence has in it but one subject, and one finite verb. 1850 W. C. Fowler vi. x. 568 Two simple sentences are connected either by way of Co-ordination, or by way of Subordination. 1925 J. H. Grattan & P. Gurrey 270 Discuss whether it is better to regard the sentences below as simple, or to look upon them as contracted compound sentences. 2016 (Nexis) 10 Sept. We wrote simple sentences or compound sentences or compound-complex sentences. Simple sentences were always best. 1694 A. Boyer i. iii. 28 The four Simple Tenses are,..The Present..The Preterimperfect..Perfect Definite..The Future. 1751 J. Harris i. vii. 123 Yet it seems agreeable to reason, that wherever Time is signified without any farther circumscription, than that of Simple present past or future, the Tense is an Aorist. 1795 L. Murray 55 Those tenses are called simple tenses which are formed of the verb itself, without the assistance of any other verb. 1871 §38 The Perfect is Primary when Present-Past (I have loved), but Historic when Simple Past (I loved). 2010 28 Aug. 48/1 Under the influence of American usage, the present perfect form of the verb (‘has written’) is losing ground to the past simple (‘wrote’). society > faith > worship > benefice > kinds of benefice > [noun] > without cure of souls a1500 (c1410) (Hunterian) (1980) ii. 177 Ȝif a man hadde nede & fele hymself able he may askyn a symple benefyce withoutyn cure, for þat is no symonye. 1671 A. Woodhead xii. 199 Ecclesiastical Benefices, either simple, if one of them sufficient to maintain him, or with Cure, and requiring residence. 1769 W. Anderson I. i. i. 9 There appear no vouchers..which prove the territorial grants made by them to be any other than simple benefices. 1875 6 Sept. 2/5 He has at least $8000 as Vicar of Rome, and fully as much more from sundry simple benefices. 2006 H. Rawlings in R. Pym 33 The majority of these simple benefice holders..were either unordained or merely tonsured clerics. 20. Music. a1505 R. Henryson Orpheus & Eurydice 234 in (1981) 139 First dyatesseron..And dyapason, symple and duplate. 1786 T. Busby (1811) Redoubled, an epithet applied to any simple interval carried into its octave. 1871 J. Stainer iii. §41 Intervals not exceeding the compass of an octave are termed Simple. 2011 33 125/1 Though it is conventional to label only compound seconds and thirds as ninths and tenths I label the compound fifth as a twelfth to better indicate the constant difference between the harmonic intervals in successive patterns. I will similarly convert simple intervals to their compound counterparts (and vice versa) elsewhere in this essay. society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [adjective] > counterpoint 1609 J. Dowland tr. A. Ornithoparchus 78 The Counter-point is two-fold, Simple and Coloured. The Simple Counter-point is the concordant ordering of a Song of diuers parts by Notes of the same kind. 1728 E. Chambers at Counter-point Simple Counter-point, or the Harmony of Concords. 1867 G. A. Macfarren ii. 34 In this form of note against note it is called Plain or simple Counterpoint. 2005 (Nexis) 2 June 13 There are many telling uses of unisons and simple counterpoint. society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > duration of notes > proportion of notes or rhythm > [adjective] > specific rhythm 1740 J. Grassineau tr. S. De Brossard 24 Simple triple time..whose measure is equal to three semibreves, or to three minims, &c. 1846 J. R. Fry tr. A. Panseron 29 If two crotchets make a bar in simple time , three are required in compound time. 1911 XXIII. 279/1 Simple time is that in which the normal subdivision of its beats is by two. 2000 53 110 Some, but not all, recercadas consist of two contrasting sections: the first in simple time and the second in compound time. 21. Mathematics. the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > epistemology > [adjective] > of cognition > of an idea or concept the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical classification > [adjective] > of logical judgements the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical syllogism > logical argument > [adjective] > using or not using comparison 1532 L. Cox sig. A.vv All themes that perteine to Logike either they be simple or compounde. 1574 R. MacIlmaine tr. P. de La Ramée ii. iii. 74 The proposition is eyther simple or compounde. 1620 T. Granger 12 Artificiall Argument is either..simple, or comparate. The simple is considered simply, and absolutely without comparison. 1724 I. Watts 36 That idea, which represents one particular determinate thing to me, is called a singular idea, whether it be simple, or complex, or compound. 1846 J. S. Mill (ed. 2) i. iv. §3. 108 A simple proposition is that in which one predicate is affirmed or denied of one subject. 1907 16 470 Any formula of mine..remains true whether or not A and B denote simple propositions. 2018 P. J. Hurley & L. Watson (ed. 13) vi. 354 The number of simple propositions is two. Thus the number of lines in the truth table is four. the world > relative properties > number > mathematics > [adjective] > relating to mathematical property the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [adjective] > describing relationships between quantities > direct 1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Math. Præf. sig. *ijv This Arithmetike, hath Numbers Simple, Compound, Mixt: and Fractions, accordingly. 1707 tr. J. Monier de Clairecombe 23 If after the Addition of a Column, the Sum happens to be a Simple Number, as 9, or compos'd, as 27; then the 9 is set down, but for the 27, the 7 only is set down. 1823 L. Peirce v. 71 When a compound number is to be multiplied by a simple number, the best method is to multiply the compound number by the simple number, without reducing it to one denomination. 1931 H. D. Grant i. 2 A simple number is one which expresses but one denomination. 1989 A. Ardila et al. in A. Ardila & F. Ostrosky-Solis ix. 185 The reading of simple numbers was correct. However, there were confusions in the reading of compound numbers. 1570 H. Billingsley in tr. Euclid vii. f. 201v Reduce the said diuers fraction into simple fraction (by the common rule of reducing of fractions). 1737 S. Stonehouse v. 39 How is the Value of a simple Fraction found in the known Parts of the Integer? 1873 T. A. Bryce 67 A proper fraction is simple, and a mixed quantity is an improper fraction in another form. 1941 25 319 The pupil should not only study Money and Fractions in close connection, but also use the simple fractions in money calculations. 2008 O. R. Norton & L. A. Chitwood ii. 28 Any asteroid whose period is a simple fraction of Jupiter's period will experience gravitational perturbations much more often than the other asteroids in stable orbits. 1685 J. Hawkins iii. ii. 283 When the Simple quantities given to be added together, be unlike, then..set them one after another in the same line without altering their signs. 1776 W. Trail ii. i. 31 Any of the dividends may be multiplied by a simple quantity. 1883 (Chamber's Educ. Course) (new ed.) I. 14 It is of great importance to distinguish factors from terms, and simple quantities from compound. 1695 E. Hatton ii. 5 Addition is either Simple or Compound. 1761 T. Harper 18 Simple Subtraction shews the Difference between any two Numbers of the same Denomination. 1878 H. Evers 43 It [sc. compound division] greatly resembles Simple Division. 1939 C. Washburne in xvi. 312 Simple multiplication with multiplicands up to four digits can be learned. c1590 (single sheet) The rules of interest both simple & compound. 1694 J. Briscoe 37 He may have 10000 l. Bills of Credit for 550 l. per annum Annuity for 20 years, and his Estate then cleared; which is less by 50 l. per annum than he must now pay for simple Interest only. 1798 C. Hutton I. 110 Simple Interest is that which is allowed for the principal lent or forborn only, for the whole time of forbearance. 1860 17 Mar. That sum with the simple interest upon it would amount now to about two hundred dollars more or less. 1956 Oct. 10/2 The price is 6% a year, simple interest, payable monthly. 2010 J. S. Ryan & C. Ryan (ed. 7) ix. 209 Determining the cost of credit is easy using the formula for simple interest. 23. the world > plants > part of plant > part defined by form or function > [adjective] > simple or not complex the world > plants > part of plant > reproductive part(s) > fruit or reproductive product > [adjective] > simple or collective 1713 P. Blair Let. 1 Aug. in (1718) 114 The Flowers of Tanacetum grow in Tufts, it has a deep divided compound Leaf. Balsamita has a simple Leaf, and an odoriferous Smell of Mint. 1753 Suppl. at Leaf Simple leaf is otherwise defined, that of which the petiole carries only one. 1793 T. Martyn sig. R8v A Simple root... A Simple stem... A Simple fructification. 1796 W. Withering (ed. 3) I. 82 Simple Stem, one that is undivided; or, only sending out small branches. 1854 A. Pratt I. 10 A flower-stalk bearing one flower only, is termed simple, as the Daisy. 1858 A. Gray i. x. 311 Simple Fruits are those which result from the ripening of a single pistil. 1880 C. E. Bessey 433 The simple pistil is synonymous with carpel. 1938 G. S. Cansdale et al. (Imperial Forestry Institute, Oxford) v. 23 Leaves simple, alternate, penninerved, usually long-stalked. 1964 E. Salisbury (ed. 2) iii. 54 The leaf-form may be simple, though with prominent teeth at the edge. 2014 A. M. Pridgeon et al. VI. 164/1 Stipe simple, usually linear, tapering or clavate. the world > life > the body > part of body > [adjective] > not composite or complex the world > life > biology > organism > [adjective] > compound or composite (of organism or organ) > not compound or simple 1733 G. Douglas tr. J. B. Winslow I. iii. 4 When the compound Muscle is made up of two simple Muscles only, these are so disposed as to represent a Feather, and the compound Muscle is from thence termed Penniform. 1799 1 306 He distinguishes..between simple and compound muscles: in the former, the fibres lie only in one direction. 1826 W. Kirby & W. Spence IV. xlvi. 287 Simple Ocellus, when the ocellus consists only of iris and pupil. 1863 H. W. Bates I. i. 31 A twin ocellus, or simple eye, of quite different structure from the ordinary compound eyes. 1867 J. Hogg (ed. 6) ii. i. 324 Simple hairs are merely single epidermal cells produced in a tubular filament. 1875 T. H. Huxley in I. 130/1 Simple organisms,..that is, in which the primitive actinozoon attains its adult condition without budding or fission. 1920 10 178 Obtusely triangular pores very numerous, interspersed with larger simple pores; and on the last few segments of the abdomen a few multilocular pores. 1940 G. S. Carter xviii. 358 Numerous simple cilia may be so combined into a single structure. 2016 D. C. Rizzo (ed. 4) v. 97/1 Some examples of simple exocrine glands are the sweat glands. 24. 1728 E. Chambers at Microscope The Simple [microscopes] are those which consist of a single Lens, or a single Spherule. 1867 J. Hogg (ed. 6) i. ii. 31 The simple microscope may consist of one..or of two or three lenses; but these latter are so arranged as to have the effect only of a single lens. 1920 No. 82 86 All the smaller individuals were immature, no development of the gonads being visible under the simple microscope. 2009 S. Newcomb vi. 84/1 The inherent problems of spherical and chromatic aberration were minimized by the use of the simple microscope, with a single lens. 1791 R. Blair 19 The difference between the phenomena attending an object-glass of this construction and a simple lens..would have led Dr Hook to the truth. 1899 (Hutchinson's Physiological Ser.) II. xii. 283 It is found better to use several magnifying glasses of moderate power than a simple lens alone of high power. 2012 C. A. DiMarzio iii. 75 A simple lens may suffer from aberrations that prevent the formation of a good image. 1856 9 624 The sides of the simple polygons will be intermixed in the compound polygon. 1966 I. Adler iv. 132 Euler's formula..asserts that V − E + F = 2, for every simple polyhedron. 2015 M. Harvey ix. 82 Sides of simple polygons must intersect one another only at the endpoints where they are joined to their adjacent sides. 26. Mathematics. Designating an algebraic structure that is simpler than others of the same type by virtue of lacking a certain type of substructure. The study of simple algebraic structures is often a central theme in modern algebra, such objects being useful in the classification of similar or related structures.the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > [adjective] > of sets > in abstract algebra > of groups the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > [adjective] > of sets > in abstract algebra > of rings 1888 G. G. Morrice tr. F. Klein i. i. 7 If a group contains, apart from these improper cases, no self-conjugate sub-groups, it is called simple [Ger. einfach], otherwise it is called composite. 1952 247 Every algebraically closed group is simple. 2008 (U.K. ed.) July 66/2 The simple groups have turned out to include some of the most complex entities known to mathematicians. 1908 6 81 An algebra which has no invariant sub-complex is said to be simple. 1945 31 334 Any simple ring with an identity is primitive. 2008 A. W. Knapp ii. 115 Let B be a simple subalgebra of A. 1913 F. S. Macauley in 74 71 A simple..module is one which contains only a single point. 1970 24 657 If every simple module is projective, then R is semisimple and Artinian. 2016 A. Cox in S. Bullett et al. iii. 100 Some of the most important open questions in representation theory relate to determining simple modules. the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > [adjective] > of sets 1936 40 112 Every separable K is a simple algebraic extension..of F. 1981 15 202 One has equality whenever A is a simple field extension. 2015 J. J. Rotman (ed. 3) I. a v. 214 Every Galois extension is simple. 1960 W. T. Tutte in 10 304 A graph is simple if it has no loop, and no pair of edges with the same two ends. 2014 E. Estrada in M. Grinfeld (ed. 2) iv. 122 The graphs created by these transformations are no longer simple graphs. B. n. I. Senses denoting a person or a personal quality. 1. society > society and the community > social class > the common people > low rank or condition > [noun] > collectively a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 338 Be..euer of faire speche, & seruisabul to þe simple so as to þe riche. a1513 W. Dunbar (1998) I. 226 Gentill and sempill, of everie clan. 1652 E. Ashmole Annot. 460 Illiterate Quacks..that cheate the poore and simple of their Money. 1762 July 320 The primacy in the church,..chiefly to be composed of the simple and poor of the earth. 1816 W. Scott III. iii. 55 Gentle or semple shall not darken my doors the day my bairn's been carried out a corpse. 1937 F. M. Ford in 1 Oct. 134/2 ‘Listen then,’ cries the snake to the gentle and simple of the good town. 2001 (Electronic ed.) 17 Dec. 18 It's a noble act from the businessmen for the simple and the poor. the mind > emotion > humility > modesty > [noun] > modest person or people society > society and the community > social class > the common people > low rank or condition > [noun] > person 1824 W. Scott I. xi. 222 A shilling maks a' the difference that Maggie kens, between a gentle and a simple. 1882 I. Mayo III. 8 The simples are not bound to pick up what the gentles throw away. 1957 13 May 5/3 Gentles and simples alike know their place. a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1965) Prov. iii. 32 Abhomynacioun of þe lord is eche gilour, & with þe symple [a1425 L.V. with simple men] þe sermownynge of hym. c1440 (?a1375) Abbey Holy Ghost (Thornton) in G. G. Perry (1914) 57 Ouer-grete symplesse may make of þe symple a sott. a1450 (1885) 282 She beseches you as hir souerayne þat symple to saue. c1475 (Folger) (1969) l. 457 (MED) Off þe symple what profyght yt to tak hede? Beholde how ryches dystroyt nede. 3. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [noun] > person > collectively c1535 M. Nisbet (1905) III. Prol. to Rom. 345 The tradit[ionns] and doctrynne of menn quhilkis begylis the sempyll with sophestry ande learnyng. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane f. xxiij The Heresyes of Wiclife and Husse.., whiche by the false enterpretation of Scripture, giueth to the simple an occasion to sinne. 1611 Psalms cxix. 130 The entrance of thy wordes..giueth vnderstanding vnto the simple . View more context for this quotation 1691 J. Pennyman To Rdr. sig. A3v To undeceive the Minds of the Simple, who are beguiled. 1754 Bp. T. Sherlock (1759) I. iii. 97 His Doctrine was framed to give Wisdom to the Simple. 1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. i, in 41 Seeking their fate, to her the simple run. 1956 6 17 The simple are also human beings, and our brothers. 1994 Jan. 33/1 The mad and the simple are the only people sane enough to hear the whisperings of the soul. the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > stupid, foolish, or inadequate person > foolish person, fool > [noun] the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [noun] > person 1600 T. Floyd xlvi. 309 The silly simple shall be quelled with extremities, and pressed with open wrongs. 1650 J. Trapp (Gen. xxxix. 12) 306 The harlot caught the silly simple, and kissed him. 1654 R. Whitlock 440 With such like Judges..Simples passe for Physitians, and modest Physitians for Simples. 1894 H. D. Lloyd 319 This action the paper described as ‘a scheme for gulling simples’. the world > health and disease > mental health > be sane [verb (intransitive)] > be restored to sanity the world > health and disease > healing > psychiatry > undergo psychiatric treatment [verb (intransitive)] > participate in specific therapy the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > foolishness, folly > [noun] > action, behaviour 1637 T. Brian v. 37 I were troubled with the simples. 1641 J. Taylor 22 You must with much patience prepare your selfe to be cut of the simples. 1690 W. Walker 415 ‘To be sick of the simples’, to Act the fool. 1707 E. Ward 44 His bare Shadow has cur'd many a poor Creature of the Simples. 1767 Let. 10 Oct. in (1768) 19 A patient just come out from the old woman's at Battersea, after having been cut for the simples. 1785 F. Grose at Simples He must go to Battersea, to be cut for the simples... The gardners [at Battersea] were said to cut their [sc. apothecaries'] simples, whence it became a popular joke, to advise young people to go to Battersea at that time, to have their simples cut, or to be cut for the simples. 1880 L. Parr vi. 28 'Tis time her was cut for the simples. 1922 J. C. Snaith xxv. 148 Boy, you ought to be bled for the simples to let a paltry hussy get round you in this way. II. Senses denoting a thing. 4. the world > plants > valued plants and weeds > [noun] > valued plant > medicinal plant or herb the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > medical preparations of specific origin > medicine composed of a plant > [noun] the world > plants > valued plants and weeds > [noun] > valued plant > medicinal plant or herb > collect the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > medical preparations of specific origin > medicine composed of a plant > [noun] > plant used in medicine ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 176v (MED) It is noȝt possible for to compone a medicyne..afore þe vertuez of þe symplez be knawen. 1539 T. Elyot (new ed.) ii. xxviii. 45 Where a sycknenes may be cured with symples, that is to say, with one onely thyng, that is medicinable, there shulde the phisition gyue no compounde medicyne. 1563 T. Gale iv. To Rdr. sig. Aaaiiiv There are an infinite number of simples which want Englyshe names. 1587 R. Greene sig. B2v The Phisition..knoweth the nature of the Simple as well as the Gardiner that planteth it. 1602 W. Shakespeare iii. iii. 67 These fellowes that smels like Bucklers-berie, In simple time. 1646 Sir T. Browne i. vi From the knowledge of Simples she had a Receipt to make white hair black. View more context for this quotation 1699 M. Lister (new ed.) 183 Houses well stored with tender Exoticks, and the Parterrs with Simples. 1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer I. iv. 318 Where prolific Nile With various simples cloaths the fat'ned soil. 1787 T. Martyn tr. J. J. Rousseau (ed. 2) Introd. 2 Plants were searched for, only to find remedies; it was simples, not vegetables, that were looked after. 1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. ii, in 73 From many a fragrant Simple, Catharine's Skill, Drew Oil, drew Essence from the boiling Still. 1843 R. J. Graves xxix. 368 An Irish Father, or Priest, whose knowledge is all comprehended in the virtues of two or three simples. 1888 A. Jessopp ii. 93 Cordials..were kept by the lady of the house among her simples. 1921 Nov. 143/1 The rise of patent medicines has largely obliterated the old-fashioned simples. 1955 G. Grigson 201 The taboo against the use of iron in gathering simples was ancient and widespread through Europe. 2012 W. D. Storl i. 12 The simples were cooked in salt or alkali and then filtered before being administered to the patient along with incantations. the world > relative properties > wholeness > state or quality of being simple, unmixed, or uncompounded > [noun] > that which is simple, unmixed, or uncompounded 1562 P. Whitehorne Certain Waies Orderyng Souldiers f. 27v, in tr. N. Machiavelli Gunne pouder, is made of three simples onely, that is, salt peter, Brimstone and Coales. 1621 R. Burton i. ii. ii. i. 96 To these noxious simples, we may reduce an infinite number of compound artificiall made dishes. 1655 T. Moffett & C. Bennet iv. 21 Their chiefest perfume..was made of sixteen simples: namely, wine, hony [etc.]. the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > [noun] > constituent part or component 1603 G. de Malynes 6 All the trade and trafficke..is performed by three simples: namely, Commodities, Money, and Exchange. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. i. 17 A melancholy of mine owne, compounded of many simples, extracted from many obiects. 1743 H. Fielding Ess. Conversat. in I. 148 But besides Pride, Folly, Arrogance, and Insolence, there is another Simple (which Vice never willingly leaves out of any Composition). 1798 C. Hutton I. 114 Alligation teaches how to compound or mix together several simples of different qualities. 1946 2 Nov. 537 Playgoers' pleasure is compounded of many simples. the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > morphology > word-formation > [noun] > compounding > uncompounded word c1450 J. Capgrave (Bodl. 423) (1911) 69 (MED) Þis same catacumbas is a meruelous name for it is not expowned in our latyne bokes, ne non of þe gramariones touch þis word þus compowned; The simples þei speke of as of cata..a boue..and cumbo or ellis cumbas þei sey þat þis is lowe or ellis dep. 1530 J. Palsgrave 395 Je prens is a symple whiche hath for his compoundes je reprens [etc.]. 1659 O. Walker 25 Monosyllables..making the language dull and slow. Hence compounds more elegantly used, than their simples. 1702 E. Bysshe Pref. p. ii Words that are Compounded with any of the Particles Out, Re, or Un..may easily be form'd from their Simples. 1848 W. Veitch Pref. The frequent absence of simples in whole or in part. 1929 40 26 The purpose of a compound is to express a shade of meaning not expressible by the simples. 2008 D. Huag in T. Eythórsson x. 287 I will abstract away from verbal prefixes, even in verbs which are rarely found as simples. the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [noun] > one thing 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine f. ccclxxix/1 God rewardeth for one symple, an hondred folde. †7. the world > action or operation > easiness > [noun] > absence of complexity > that which is 1616 J. Smith 10 I dare engage my head (hauing but men skilfull to worke the simples there growing). 1654 Z. Coke 119 As much as may be, this proposition is to be reduced to a meer simple. 1690 C. Ness I. 29 Adam wisely understood all simples, singulars and universals. the mind > will > necessity > condition of being necessary > [noun] > that which is necessary 1858 E. Capern 123 My wishes and wants down to simples will sink. 8. Weaving. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > weaving > method of > figure weaving > loom > parts of or attachments for 1731 (Royal Soc.) 37 107 From each of these Packthreads, just by the side of the Loom, are fastned other Packthreads called Simples, which descend to the Ground. 1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ 415 Below the warp these lines, which are called the simples, are kept in a state of tension by weights,..and in order to keep them distinctly apart, are made to pass through a board perforated with holes. 1918 M. L. Kissell 185 A drawboy mounting or harness with tails and simples. 2013 R. Osborne xi. 185 The pulling of the simples in the correct sequence was obviously a highly complex task. 1855 II. 477/2 Simple, Symbolt, a draw-loom employed in fancy weaving. C. adv.the world > action or operation > behaviour > unaffectedness or naturalness > [adverb] > without sophistication society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > plainness > [adverb] the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > simplicity > [adverb] 1550 J. Hooper v. f. cxiii Spake he simple and playnely wythout condicion or glose. 1672 R. Tuke i. ii. 7 Let this single animal, go simple forward in her way to Heaven. 1816 Ld. Byron xvii. 11 The moral's truth tells simpler so. 1844 Lady G. C. Fullerton (1854) II. x. 30 She was dressed perfectly simple in a brown silk gown. 1912 27 Apr. 22/2 Let folks eat simple like I do—meat and petaties. 2015 M. Ramone & R. Herschlag ii. 36 Scott dressed simple: jeans and a T-shirt. D. int.1957 Sept. 14/1 That was that. It was all over. Simple. Nothing to it. 1970 16 Oct. a23 (advt.) The Audi is the fastest selling car in Germany. Why? Simple. The Audi has features that are more advanced than just about every other car around. 1988 (Nexis) 23 Sept. vi. 2/1 Where do they get those disposable props? Simple. The directors just ask Barbara Krepps, the property mistress. 2009 Apr. 106/3 You turn it on, press Record, then Play, and it's recording. Simple. Phrasesthe world > relative properties > wholeness > state or quality of being simple, unmixed, or uncompounded > simple or unmixed [phrase] > simply, merely, or nothing but 1548 E. Gest sig. Dviii Thee wordes also of thee masse canon, yt importe ye same, ought so in simple to be taken without any far fetched glosse. a1634 W. Austin (1635) 103 Hee delights to have Man in simple; (alone, by himselfe) unmixt. 1589 ‘M. Marprelate’ 3 There is a neighbour of ours, an honest priest, who was sometimes (symple as he nowe standes) a vice in a playe. 1601 B. Jonson i. i. sig. B2 I am his next heire, as simple as I stand here, if my cosen die. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. i. 202 Slender. He's a Iustice of Peace in his Countrie, simple though I stand here . View more context for this quotation 1673 J. Dare 41 For ought she or any knew her Son (simple as he stood there) might live to be King of Spain. 1728 J. Swift Mad Mullinix & Timothy in (1729) viii. 74 And simple as I now stand here, Expect in Time to be a P——. 1765 R. Cumberland ii. iii. 40 I ha' work'd in this Field, simple as I stand here, any Time these Thirty Years. 1852 C. Dickens in 4 Sept. 582/2 This particular glass of wine..was destined from all eternity to be drank by me, simple as I stand here, Scolaio Franchi. 1906 6 Jan. 14/1 Simple as I stand, a part in the fray was mine. the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > not complex > specific 1938 12 Apr. 8/3 All interpreted in simple-to-use patterns! 1960 15 Mar. (Suppl.) 13 A robust motor with a completely reliable and simple-to-operate starting unit. 1976 May 11/2 The BS 4264 range is set out in a simple-to-follow table giving 26 sizes. 2006 (Nexis) 16 June c3 Another simple-to-install device. Compoundsa1500 (?a1422) J. Lydgate Life Our Lady (Adv.) in W. B. D. D. Turnbull (1843) 115 Ye schuld have pete To se a lady of soo hee degre So symple tyred. 1550 J. Veron tr. U. Zwingli sig. J.iiiv Deceaue ye simple witted men. 1614 J. Sylvester tr. J. Bertaut Panaretus 14 in Royall Eumenia..And simple-mannerd Pistia. 1751 J. Hill II. 375 The plane-leaved and simple-stalked Anthericum. 1818 S. T. Coleridge (1865) 177 Mere incendiary declamation for the simple-headed multitude! 1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in 241 Our simple-seeming Abbess and her nuns. 1875 ‘M. Twain’ in Aug. 195/1 Good-hearted, simple-natured young Yates. 1880 III. 145 The long series of simple-toothed Rodents. 1930 E. Blunden 16 The simple-sounding matter of pushing a truck along a French tramway is rather complex on a dark..night. 2011 (Nexis) 7 Nov. Fish are not the simple-brained creatures most of us perceive them to be. 1785 J. Latham III. ii. 355 Simple Tern. Size of the Noddy. 1793 J. Leslie tr. Comte de Buffon V. 341 Simple warbler... Edwards regrets in some measure that the plumage of this bird is too simple and uniform, and that it has no peculiarity to characterise it. I shall adopt this very simplicity as the character. 1926 A. Wetmore (Smithsonian Inst. National Mus. Bull. 133) 140 Sterna simplex of Gmelin..is based on the simple tern of Latham from Cayenne. 1993 15 40 Some [birds], like the Simple Leaflove, would roost and forage in the garden. 2002 T. Stevenson & J. Fanshawe 320 Simple Greenbul. Chlorocichla simplex... Plain dark brown above with an obvious white crescent over the eye. C3. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. x. iv. 557 Fyre is a symple body [L. corpus simplum], most hoot and drye. a1400 tr. Lanfranc (Ashm.) (1894) 10 (MED) Alle bodies..ben medlid vndir þe sercle of þe moone, ben engendrid of foure symple bodies..fier & watir, erþe & eir. 1583 i. vi. 5 As wise men haue..fantasied iiii. simple bodies which they call elementes. 1674 R. Boyle About Excellency & Grounds Mech. Hypothesis 25 in The productions of Chymical analyses are simple bodies, and upon that account irresoluble. 1812 M. Faraday Let. Sept. in P. Day (1999) ii. 8 Consequently it must be a different substance & Chlorine must be a simple body. 2003 53 606 The natural motions of the natural simple bodies, such as fire and earth, show not only that there are places, but also that places have a certain power. 2015 I. Malaquias in M. Kaji et al. ii. 253 Gadolinite behaves as if it was a simple body despite being a compound substance. 1852 130 The greater part of those classed under the latter head differ from the simple ethers as much as the class of alkalies does from that of neutral salts. 1909 E. I. Lewis v. 42 Methyl-ethyl ether corresponds to no known alcohol; and since the radicles are unlike, it is called a mixed ether to distinguish it from the simple ethers already described. 2015 R. J. Ouellette & D. Rawn xvi. 277 The common names of simple ethers are based on names of the alkyl or aryl groups bonded to the oxygen atom. 1892 Jan. 106 I conceive the early village communities as..consisting..of both joint and simple families. 1951 (ed. 6) 70 The elementary or simple family is a group consisting of a father and a mother and their children, whether they are living together or not. 2012 S. Gruber in A. Hemming et al. 26 Simple family households contained on average only 3.8 persons. ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 97v (MED) It is said þat fracture, som is symple, Som componed.] 1563 T. Gale f. 43 There be twoo kyndes of fractures. a simple fracture, and a compound. 1698 W. Salmon iv. xxiii. 905/2 In Simple Fractures without a Wound, all kinds of Bandage may be admitted, with many circumvolutions about the Part, and once opening them in a Weeks time may be enough. 1827 18 July 3/2 The person who appeared in the character of Clown..met with a simple fracture of the leg, from a fall. 1984 A. MacLean (1986) ii. 57 He has a simple fracture of the tibia. society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > feudal homage or allegiance > [noun] > types of 1606 R. Knolles tr. J. Bodin i. ix. 117 The dukes would not doe their homage as liege men, but were receiued doing their simple homage [Fr. simple hommage] onely. 1771 R. Roberts tr. C. F. X. Millot II. 27 The duke pretended, that he owed nothing more than simple homage. 1922 11 170 Liege homage could be due to only one lord, while simple homage might be due to every lord under whom land was held. 2016 T. Evergates 268 Almost half of the count's fiefholders held their comital fiefs in simple homage. Remonstr. against Romish Corruptions (Titus) in (1911) 26 743 (MED) It is perilous to an vnkunnynge man eiþer symple lettrid man [L. ignaro et simplici] to knouleche his synnis..to a preest vnfeiþful of lyuynge. 1493 (Pynson) v. xix. sig. q vii And thowe he be but simple lettred and he erre so in suche thinges that he owethe to knowe: and manslaughter come of his mys answere: he is irreguler. the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > moderation in sensuous gratification > [noun] > simple life > person 1905 Mar. 670/2 Pasteur Wagner is doing time, lecturing in America on this theme, and those grateful simple lifers. 2005 J. Fox xli. 227 The true simple lifer would give up the booze. the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > moderation in sensuous gratification > [noun] > simple life > person 1851 13 Sept. 147/3 Amongst these simple livers the ordinary range of man's life is that of men of fourscore years and more. 1933 M. Allingham xvii. 211 If it weren't for the simple-livers on the heath..the affair would be almost plain sailing. 2013 (Nexis) 7 Apr. (Business section) 4 d I'm a simple liver and I can live on a lot less than $40,000 a year. 1883 5 May (Suppl.) 5/1 They were orderly, and careful, and simple-living people. 1979 11 Jan. 63/3 In Cornwall..simple-living James and earth-mother Anna are variously threatened by authority, rural squalor and true terror. 2002 Nov. 34/2 She has not reached a state of simple-living perfection... As hard as she tries, her lifestyle still contributes to the planet's deterioration. 1702 tr. J. Ozanam App. 15 We have given you the Definitions and Descriptions of the six Principles of Mechanicks, or the six simple Machines under their respective Letters. 1841 W. Whewell i. 2 Simple machines are those which consist of one or two pieces. Those which consist of more are compound machines. 2015 J. O. E. Clark (new ed.) xi. 57 A slope is called an inclined plane, and it is another example of a simple machine that provides a mechanical advantage. society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > proceedings at election > [noun] > the numerical result of voting > numbers of votes received by one candidate 1689 G. Hooper ii. i. 55 Is it a simple Majority, as in ordinary Assemblies? or will not the Holy Ghost come down but upon two Thirds, as in the Election of a Pope? 1785 J. Anderson 437 A simple majority shall acquit. 1849 T. B. Macaulay II. vi. 38 A simple majority, provided that it consisted of twelve, was sufficient to convict. 1887 10 June 10/1 A simple motion, carryable by a simple majority. 1955 12 Jan. 6/3 He succeeded only at the third ballot, for which a simple majority was required, whereas the first and second votes, in which a candidate, to be successful, has to gain an absolute majority of those voting, had yielded no result. 1964 G. Clark I. vi. 94 To pass a statute there must be at two separate comitia a two thirds majority, or, if fewer than six were present, a simple majority. 2014 (Nexis) 20 May (Final ed.) (Features section 9) As for Modi the bluffer, his party has won a simple majority on only 31% share of the vote. the world > relative properties > number > probability or statistics > [noun] > factor analysis > simple structure 1935 L. L. Thurstone vi. 154 The combined configuration of the trait vectors and the reference vectors will be called a simple structure or an oblique simple structure. 1972 87 69 Rotation to simple structure was made for five factors in each case, though not all five could be interpreted. 2007 R. E. Millsap & W. Meredith in R. Cudeck & R. C. MacCallum viii. 138 One can rotate the invariant pattern matrix to approximate simple structure. the world > food and drink > food > additive > sweetener > syrup > [noun] > water with dissolved sugar 1526 xlii. sig. J.iii/1 The electuary..of two partes of dragagant with symple syrope. 1633 T. Johnson (new ed.) ii. cccxii. 852 First make of clarified sugar by boyling a simple syrrup of a good consistence. 1773 F. Spilsbury 33 The Simple Syrup. Take of white Sugar and water each equal quantities, boil them into a syrup. 1884 15 Dec. 286/1 Add sufficient simple syrup to make the measure 26 fluid ounces. 1922 July 72/2 Peaches should be pared whole and placed in simple syrup in a cool place. 2010 17 June 34/2 Cocktails like the Red Lemonade, a refreshing blend of muddled lemons, simple syrup, Absolut Citron and cranberry juice. the world > matter > physics > science of sound > vibration > [noun] > simple tone 1864 13 392 When the motion of the particles of air follows the law of oscillation of a simple pendulum, the resulting sound may be called a simple tone. 1910 H. Lamb 3 The sensation corresponding to a simple-harmonic vibration is called a ‘simple tone’,..or merely a ‘tone’. 2008 M. Manring in C. Jisi xvi. 99/2 Beating is most clearly heard in two simple tones that have the same timbre. 1817 13 17 It is contended that it is a simple trust, and that Riley, and not Fairchild, is the cestuy que trust. 1886 22 126/1 The statute does not extend to any but bare and simple trusts unmixed with conflicting equities. 1953 53 352 The usual type of trust is a simple trust currently distributing income to one or more beneficiaries. 2000 Sept. 87/2 The beneficiary of a simple trust is taxed on the income of the trust whether or not it is distributed. 2011 (Nexis) 1 Aug. Bare trusts, also known as simple trusts, are another option for those wanting to save for children. society > faith > worship > vow > [adjective] > of vow: dispensable 1532 R. Whitford f. xxxiv This may be in two maners, one caled a symple vowe or syngle vowe, and ye other a solempne vowe. 1693 A. Gavin xviii. 196 All the difference which is between a simple Vow and a solemn one, is, that the first is a Promise made to God, before three or four Witnesses only. 1759 A. Butler IV. 86 In some houses these Gray Sisters make solemn vows, but in most they content themselves with simple vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity. 1884 W. E. Addis & T. Arnold 848/1 Whereas a simple vow makes marriage unlawful and deprives the person who has made it of the right to use his property, a solemn vow makes marriage invalid and takes away all dominion over property. 2007 S. Casey v. 89 Two thirds of the priests in the Jesuits took their final three simple vows after many years. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2019; most recently modified version published online June 2022). † simplev.1Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: simple adj. Obsolete. rare. the mind > emotion > humility > make humble [verb (transitive)] c1450 (?c1425) St. Mary of Oignies ii. iv, in (1885) 8 163 (MED) I, herynge þis..and countynge my resoune noon, was sympled in myne owne sighte. the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > be unimportant [verb (intransitive)] > make unimportant a1652 R. Brome Queen & Concubine i. ii. 4 in (1659) That did your Champion, Madam, The Queens old Souldier, and your Father, Lady: D'ye simple at it? such a Souldier breaths not, Only the King except. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2019). simplev.2 Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: simple n. Etymology: < simple n. (compare sense 4a at that entry). Compare earlier simpler n.1, simpling n., and slightly earlier simpling adj. Now archaic or historical. the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > picking or gathering > [verb (intransitive)] > gather herbs 1643 Sir T. Browne (authorized ed.) ii. §8. 160 When I did but know an hundred [plants], and had scarcely ever Simpled further than Cheap-side. View more context for this quotation 1664 S. Butler ii. iii. 190 Witches Simpling, and on Gibbets Cutting from Malefactors snippets. 1707 G. Farquhar Prol. Simpling our Author goes from Field to Field, And culls such Fools, as may Diversion yield. 1718 J. Ozell tr. J. Pitton de Tournefort I. 172 We simpled in the Marshes. 1791 T. Beddoes tr. J. K. A. Musäus II. 88 Never did the poor physician venture to simple on the mountain again. 1858 T. E. Tomlins 198 Gerard simpled in Highbury Woods. 2015 C. Preston v. 207 Lore gathered by Cowley himself while simpling in the fields of Kent. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  adj.n.adv.int.?c1225 v.1c1450 v.21643 |
