[syn: chasteness, restraint, simplicity, simpleness]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Simplicity \Sim*plic"i*ty\, n. [F. simplicit['e], L.
simplicitas. See Simple.]
1. The quality or state of being simple, unmixed, or
uncompounded; as, the simplicity of metals or of earths.
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2. The quality or state of being not complex, or of
consisting of few parts; as, the simplicity of a machine.
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3. Artlessness of mind; freedom from cunning or duplicity;
lack of acuteness and sagacity.
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Marquis Dorset, a man, for his harmless simplicity
neither misliked nor much regarded. --Hayward.
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In wit a man; simplicity a child. --Pope.
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4. Freedom from artificial ornament, pretentious style, or
luxury; plainness; as, simplicity of dress, of style, or
of language; simplicity of diet; simplicity of life.
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5. Freedom from subtlety or abstruseness; clearness; as, the
simplicity of a doctrine; the simplicity of an explanation
or a demonstration.
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6. Weakness of intellect; silliness; folly.
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How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?
and the scorners delight in their scorning? --Prov.
i. 22.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
simplicity
n 1: the quality of being simple or uncompounded; "the
simplicity of a crystal" [syn: simplicity, simpleness]
[ant: complexity, complexness]
2: a lack of penetration or subtlety; "they took advantage of
her simplicity" [syn: simplicity, simpleness, simple
mindedness]
3: absence of affectation or pretense [syn: simplicity,
simmpleness]
4: freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort; "he rose
through the ranks with apparent ease"; "they put it into
containers for ease of transportation"; "the very easiness of
the deed held her back" [syn: ease, easiness,
simplicity, simpleness] [ant: difficultness,
difficulty]
5: lack of ornamentation; "the room was simply decorated with
great restraint" [syn: chasteness, restraint,
simplicity, simpleness]