simplify
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪmplɪfˌaɪ/
US
- /ˈsɪmpləˌfaɪ/
Description
- make easier
- reduce complexity
- streamline
To simplify something means to make it less complicated, like taking apart a complex machine and explaining how each piece works in plain language. You might simplify a recipe by using fewer ingredients, or simplify your life by getting rid of things you do not need. It's about removing extra parts so the main idea is easier to see.
Think of a tangled knot: simplifying it means carefully untangling the strands until the shape is clear. In math, a person simplifies an equation to get its most basic form, and a writer might simplify their sentences to make them clearer for readers. Sometimes, though, people oversimplify things by making them too easy and leaving out important details.
To simplify means to reduce something in complexity, difficulty, or extent. It's about taking something complicated and making it easier to understand, use, or manage. For example: "The teacher simplified the complex scientific concept for her students," or "He simplified his schedule by delegating tasks."
Simplifying isn't always just about reducing things; sometimes it's about making them clearer. A map simplifies a large geographical area into an easy-to-read visual representation. In the same way, a summary simplifies a long document into its key points.
The word can be used in many contexts, from mathematics and science to everyday life. In math, simplifying an equation means reducing it to its most basic form. In cooking, you might simplify a recipe by using fewer ingredients or steps. In personal finance, simplifying could mean combining debts or creating a budget.
However, it's important to note that sometimes oversimplification can be misleading. Reducing something too much can remove crucial details and create an inaccurate picture. The goal of simplifying is to make things more accessible without sacrificing essential information.
So whether you're streamlining a process, clarifying an idea, or decluttering your life, to simplify is to reduce complexity and focus on what truly matters.
Examples
- 1
Online banking
The new software is designed to simplify online banking.
- 2
Student instructions
Can you simplify the instructions for new students?
- 3
Booking process
We simplified the booking process by cutting it from five steps to two.
- 4
Classroom teaching
The teacher used a diagram to simplify a difficult idea.
- 5
Practical planning
To simplify things, let's just meet at the station.
Phrase
to simplify things
to make a situation easier to deal with
- 6
Public forms
The form has been simplified so people can complete it on their phones.
- 7
Basic summary
People often simplify the issue down to one simple question.
Pattern
simplify something down to
reduce it to a very basic form
- 8
Oversimplification
The article simplifies a complex problem and leaves out some important details.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- simplifyverb
Forms
- simplifiedpast tenseverb
- simplifying-ing formverb
- simplifiesverb