simplify

• POS: Verb (usu participle)
• HYPHEN: sim=pli=fy

CIDE DICTIONARY

simplify, v. t. [Cf. F. simplifier, LL. simplificare. See Simple, and -fy.].

 To make simple; to make less complex; to make clear by giving the explanation for; to show an easier or shorter process for doing or making.  [1913 Webster]
"The collection of duties is drawn to a point, and so far simplified."  [1913 Webster]
"It is important, in scientific pursuits, to be caitious in simplifying our deductions."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

simplify, v.tr. (-ies, -ied) make simple; make easy or easier to do or understand.

Derivative

simplification n.

Etymology

F simplifier f. med.L simplificare (as SIMPLE)

THESAURUS

simplify

abridge, account for, aid, allegorize, boil down, chasten, clarify, clean up, clear the way, clear up, compress, crack, curtail, cut, cut back, cut down, damp, dampen, decipher, decrease, deduct, deflate, demonstrate, demythologize, depreciate, depress, diminish, disentangle, disinvolve, distill, downgrade, ease, elucidate, enlighten, euhemerize, exemplify, expedite, explain, explain away, explicate, exposit, expound, facilitate, get across, get over, give reason for, give the meaning, grease, grease the ways, grease the wheels, hasten, help along, illuminate, illustrate, lessen, loose, lower, lubricate, make clear, make it clear, make plain, make way for, narrow, oil, open the way, open up, oversimplify, paraphrase, pare, pave the way, popularize, prepare the way, purify, put across, put over, quicken, rationalize, reduce, reduce to elements, refine, remove friction, restrain, retrench, roll back, run interference for, scale down, shed light upon, shorten, show, show how, show the way, smooth, smooth the way, soap the ways, solve, speed, spell out, step down, straighten, streamline, strip down, take from, throw light upon, tune down, unbar, unblock, unclog, unfold, unjam, unlock, unravel, untangle, vulgarize

ROGET THESAURUS

simplify

Simpleness

VB render simple, simplify, sift, winnow, bolt, eliminate, exclude, get rid of, clear, purify, disentangle.

Simplicity

VB be simple, render simple, simplify, uncomplicate.

Intelligibility

VB be intelligible, speak for itself, speak volumes, tell its own tale, lie on the surface, render intelligible, popularize, simplify, clear up, elucidate, understand, comprehend, take, take in, catch, grasp, follow, collect, master, make out, see with half an eye, see daylight, see one's way, enter into the ideas of, come to an understanding.