French word

simplement

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛ̃pləmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbjust

Example

Je veux simplement un café.

I just want a coffee.

Illustration for simplement (just)

More examples

Tout simplement, il a refusé.

He simply refused.

Core concept

A narrow spotlight on one modest fact, request, or condition while everything beyond it stays outside the claim.

Common phrases

  • tout simplement

    simply

  • dire simplement

    say simply

Similar words

seulement: Referring to one thing alone and excluding all others.
juste: Referring to exactly that time or extent.
uniquement: Applying exclusively to the specified target or purpose.

Definition in French

Atténue ou précise une affirmation en limitant ce qui est exprimé au strict nécessaire.

Word origin

The adverb combines French simple, inherited from Latin simplex, with -ment, a suffix historically related to Latin mente used to form adverbs.

Usage tips

  • English "simply" can mean "easily," but French simplement often means "merely" or "just," especially when it limits a statement or request.

Other meanings

  • simplyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word