Etymology Map
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Simple

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means easily understood; plain

Where does the word "simple" come from? It comes from Latin simplex, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
simplex
Latin · ancient
"single, plain"
'sem-', one, plus 'plicare', to fold: folded once
2
Stage 2 of 3
simple
Old French · medieval
"innocent, plain"
also meant humble or foolish
3
Stage 3 of 3
simple
English · 1200s
"plain"
'simpleton' dates from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Simple’s story begins in Latin: simplex meant “single, plain.” 'sem-', one, plus 'plicare', to fold: folded once. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as simple. Also meant humble or foolish. It reached English by 1200s as simple. 'simpleton' dates from the 1600s. Today, simple means easily understood; plain.