simplify

[ sim-pluh-fahy ]
/ ˈsɪm pləˌfaɪ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR simplify ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing.

to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.

Origin of simplify

1645–55; < French simplifier < Medieval Latin simplificāre to make simple, equivalent to Latin simpli- (combining form of simplus simple) + -ficāre -fy

OTHER WORDS FROM simplify

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH simplify

simple simplified simplistic

Words nearby simplify

simplex, simplex method, simplicidentate, simplicity, simplicius, simplify, simplism, simplistic, simplon, simplon pass, simply

Words related to simplify

facilitate, reduce, clarify, shorten, streamline, chasten, disentangle, abridge, explain, elucidate, decipher, analyze, order, interpret, unscramble

Example sentences from the Web for simplify

British Dictionary definitions for simplify

simplify
/ (ˈsɪmplɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)

to make less complicated, clearer, or easier
maths to reduce (an equation, fraction, etc) to a simpler form by cancellation of common factors, regrouping of terms in the same variable, etc

Derived forms of simplify

simplification, noun simplificative, adjective simplifier, noun

Word Origin for simplify

C17: via French from Medieval Latin simplificāre, from Latin simplus simple + facere to make