Before delving into an in-depth analysis of the term simplicity and its meaning, we have to make it clear that it comes from Latin. Specifically, its etymological origin is found in the Latin word singulus , which can be translated as “one by one”, and in the sum as well as the suffix – ez , which is equivalent to “quality”.
Simplicity is the quality of simplicity (having no composition, lacking ostentation or offering no difficulty ). This adjective can be applied to people or objects.
What is simplicity
A simple thing can be one that has no artifice or great elaboration . For example: “This is a simple mechanism, with a pulley so you don't have to use so much force” , “My father devised a very simple plan to ensure that Bobby doesn't run away from the yard” , “The first computers were simple machines with little ability to perform calculations .
Simple can also be linked to that which does not present difficulty : “Luckily, it was a simple exam,” “It may seem simple, but the reality is that this problem is difficult to solve,” “I am asking you a simple question, no. You have to think so much: where were you last night?” .
In this sense, it must be made clear that, colloquially, simplicity and ease are often used absolutely synonymously. So, for example, you can say “The History exam was easy” or “The History exam was very easy.”
The concept in people
Regarding people, simplicity is linked to human beings who act simply and do not show off . Simple people are natural and spontaneous, they reject protocol and prefer informality: “The actor once again demonstrated his simplicity by spending hours talking with his followers,” “He is a millionaire, but he defends simplicity: he arrived driving his own car and parked it.” on the street, like any citizen” , “Since he became a music star, the young man left simplicity aside and no longer greets his fans.”
Simplicity is a value currently highly appreciated by people. Those who have it are characterized, among many other things, because they are humble, because they do not flaunt what they have or what they know, because they do not dedicate themselves to giving lessons to others about what they should do or how they should do something, because They don't always talk about their achievements or their successes...
Simplicity as a lack of ostentation and ornaments
Likewise, it is established that the person who is simple, outwardly presents himself wearing a clothing that is not strident, having good manners, not wearing jewelry or accessories of great value, not dedicating himself to showing everyone the expensive goods he owns...
Therefore, we can say that a simple person respects others above all else, does not feel superior in any way to others, does not belittle others, has no desire to stand out or show off and does not need to feel admired.
Simplicity refers, on the other hand, to what lacks ornaments and ostentation : “The model surprised by dressing simply for such an important gala,” “I want to decorate the house with simplicity, I don't like ornate environments.”