sim|plic|ity /s I mpl I s I ti/
1 N‑UNCOUNT The simplicity of something is the fact that it is not complicated and can be understood or done easily. □ [+ of ] The apparent simplicity of his plot is deceptive.
2 N‑UNCOUNT When you talk about something's simplicity , you approve of it because it has no unnecessary parts or complicated details. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] …fussy details that ruin the simplicity of the design.
sim|pli|fi|ca|tion /s I mpl I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (simplifications )
1 N‑COUNT You can use simplification to refer to the thing that is produced when you make something simpler or when you reduce it to its basic elements. □ Like any such diagram, it is a simplification.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Simplification is the act or process of making something simpler. □ [+ of ] Everyone favours the simplification of court procedures.
sim|pli|fy /s I mpl I fa I / (simplifies , simplifying , simplified ) VERB If you simplify something, you make it easier to understand or you remove the things which make it complex. □ [V n] …a plan to simplify the complex social security system.
sim|plis|tic /s I mpl I st I k/ ADJ A simplistic view or interpretation of something makes it seem much simpler than it really is. □ He has a simplistic view of the treatment of eczema.
simp|ly ◆◆◇ /s I mpli/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use simply to emphasize that something consists of only one thing, happens for only one reason, or is done in only one way. [EMPHASIS ] □ The table is simply a chipboard circle on a base. □ Most of the damage that's occurred was simply because of fallen trees.
2 ADV [ADV before v, ADV adj] You use simply to emphasize what you are saying. [EMPHASIS ] □ This sort of increase simply cannot be justified. □ So many of these questions simply don't have answers.
3 → see also simple SYNONYMS simply ADV 1
just: It's just a suggestion.
merely: Michael is now merely a good friend.
purely: It is a racing machine, designed purely for speed.
only: At the moment it is only a theory.
simu|late /s I mjʊle I t/ (simulates , simulating , simulated )
1 VERB If you simulate an action or a feeling, you pretend that you are doing it or feeling it. □ [V n] They rolled about on the Gilligan Road, simulating a bloodthirsty fight. □ [V -ed] He performed a simulated striptease.
2 VERB If you simulate an object, a substance, or a noise, you produce something that looks or sounds like it. □ [V n] The wood had been painted to simulate stone.
3 VERB If you simulate a set of conditions, you create them artificially, for example in order to conduct an experiment. □ [V n] The scientist developed one model to simulate a full year of the globe's climate. □ [V -ed] Cars are tested to see how much damage they suffer in simulated crashes.
simu|la|tion /s I mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (simulations ) N‑VAR Simulation is the process of simulating something or the result of simulating it. □ [+ of ] Training includes realistic simulation of casualty procedures.
simu|la|tor /s I mjʊle I tə r / (simulators ) N‑COUNT A simulator is a device which artificially creates the effect of being in conditions of some kind. Simulators are used in training people such as pilots or astronauts. □ …pilots practising a difficult landing in a flight simulator.
sim|ul|cast /s I məlkɑːst, -kæst/ (simulcasts , simulcasting ) The form simulcast is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle of the verb. 1 N‑COUNT A simulcast is a programme which is broadcast at the same time on radio and television, or on more than one channel. □ [+ of ] …tonight's simulcast of Verdi's Aida.
2 VERB To simulcast a programme means to broadcast it at the same time on radio and television, or on more than one channel. □ [be V -ed] The show will be simulcast on NBC, Fox and a number of cable networks. [Also V n]
sim|ul|ta|neous /s I məlte I niəs, [AM ] sa I m-/ ADJ Things which are simultaneous happen or exist at the same time. □ …the simultaneous release of the book and the album. □ The theatre will provide simultaneous translation in both English and Chinese. ● sim|ul|ta|neous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The two guns fired almost simultaneously.
sin /s I n/ (sins , sinning , sinned )
1 N‑VAR Sin or a sin is an action or type of behaviour which is believed to break the laws of God. □ The Vatican's teaching on abortion is clear: it is a sin.
2 → see also cardinal sin , mortal sin
3 VERB If you sin , you do something that is believed to break the laws of God. □ [V + against ] The Spanish Inquisition charged him with sinning against God and man. □ [V ] You have sinned and must repent your ways. ● sin|ner /s I nə r / (sinners ) N‑COUNT □ I am a sinner and I need to repent of my sins.
4 N‑COUNT A sin is any action or behaviour that people disapprove of or consider morally wrong. □ The ultimate sin was not infidelity, but public mention which led to scandal.
5 PHRASE If you say that a man and a woman are living in sin , you mean that they are living together as a couple although they are not married. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ She was living in sin with her boyfriend.