simply

adv

Etymology: From Middle English symply, symplely; equivalent to simple + -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.

1. In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
2. Plainly; without art or subtlety
3. Foolishly; stupidly.

   “Mrs. Thorold had told her sons that a young lady was visiting at the house, whose history she had given them in short hand, describing her as a dependent on the late Mrs. Willoughby, whom her son had very simply intended to marry at Alvestone […].”

4. Merely; solely.

   “I was simply asking a question.”

   “A “moving platform” scheme[…]is more technologically ambitious than maglev trains even though it relies on conventional rails.[…]This set-up solves several problems […]. Stopping high-speed trains wastes energy and time, so why not simply slow them down enough for a moving platform to pull alongside?”

5. absolutely, positively.

   “That was a simply wonderful dessert.”

   “This type of comportment simply won't be tolerated.”

6. Frankly.

   “Simply, he just fired you.”

   “It was, quite simply, the best there was in stock.”