Simplest

The simplest is the superlative form of the adjective simple. It is used to describe something that has the least complexity, is easiest to understand, or is most basic among a set of options.

The term derives from Latin simplex, literally meaning “onefold,” from sim- meaning “one” and plic- meaning “fold.” In English, simplest developed as the superlative form of simple and has been used across various domains to indicate minimal complexity.

Common uses of simplest appear in everyday language and in specialized fields. In daily speech, one might refer to “the simplest solution” or “the simplest explanation” to signal the most straightforward option. In mathematics, “simplest form” denotes expressing something in a way that removes unnecessary factors or components: reducing a fraction to lowest terms (for example, 6/8 becomes 3/4), or presenting a radical in its simplest radical form (such as sqrt(18) = 3 sqrt(2)). In science and philosophy, phrases like “the simplest model” or “the simplest explanation” reflect a preference for fewer assumptions, a principle linked to Occam’s razor.

Related terms include simple, simplicity, and simplification. Usage of simplest emphasizes minimal complexity, while synonyms like easiest, plainest, or most straightforward highlight different nuances. The common phrase “in its simplest form” appears across disciplines to indicate a final, reduced representation.