SuaviloquyToday’s word

simplicity

Simplicity, n.

Etymology: [F. simplicité, L. simplicitas. See Simple.]

1. The quality or state of being simple, unmixed, or uncompounded; as, the simplicity of metals or of earths.

2. The quality or state of being not complex, or of consisting of few parts; as, the simplicity of a machine.

3. Artlessness of mind; freedom from cunning or duplicity; lack of acuteness and sagacity. Marquis Dorset, a man, for his harmless simplicity neither misliked nor much regarded. Hayward. In wit a man; simplicity a child. Pope.

4. Freedom from artificial ornament, pretentious style, or luxury; plainness; as, simplicity of dress, of style, or of language; simplicity of diet; simplicity of life.

2 more senses

5. Freedom from subtlety or abstruseness; clearness; as, the simplicity of a doctrine; the simplicity of an explanation or a demonstration.

6. Weakness of intellect; silliness; folly. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity and the scorners delight in their scorning Prov. i. 22.

Shades of meaning

Fernald lists simplicity only as an antonym, under artifice, deception, pretense.

He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.

Synonyms

none given