ˈtʃaɪldlaɪk dɪmˈwɪtəd (ˌ)ɛlɪ̈ˈmɛnt(ə)ɹɪ ˌɛlɪ̈ˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi ˈsɪmpəl ˈsɪmpəl ˈsɪmpəltən easy and not involved or complicated an elementary problem in statistics elementary, my dear Watson a simple game found an uncomplicated solution to the problem apart from anything else; without additions or modifications only the bare facts shocked by the mere idea the simple passage of time was enough the simple truth unornamented a simple country schoolhouse her black dress — simple to austerity lacking mental capacity and subtlety (botany) of leaf shapes; of leaves having no divisions or subdivisions having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved a simple problem simple mechanisms a simple design a simple substance exhibiting childlike simplicity and credulity childlike trust dewy-eyed innocence listened in round-eyed wonder a person lacking intelligence or common sense any herbaceous plant having medicinal properties