simply

Etymology

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

adv

1. (manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
2. (manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety
3. (manner) 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 […]. 1791, Charlotte Smith, Celestina, Broadview, published 2004, page 179
4. (focus) 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? 2013-06-01, “Ideas coming down the track”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8838, page 13 (Technology Quarterly)
   Rather than scanning a boarding pass or handing over a passport, you simply stare into a camera and you’re verified. May 21 2019, Dylan Curran, “Facial recognition will soon be everywhere. Are we prepared?”, in The Guardian
5. (degree) absolutely, positively.
   That was a simply wonderful dessert.
   What about the way you love me? / And the way you squeeze me? / Simply beautiful 1972, Al Green (lyrics and music), “Simply Beautiful”
6. Frankly.
   Simply, he just fired you.