simpliciter

English

Etymology

From the Latin simpliciter (“simply”, “plainly”), from simplex (“simple”).

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /simˈpli.ki.teɹ/
• (Received Pronunciation) enPR: sĭmplĭʹsĭtər, IPA^(key): /sɪmˈplɪsɪtə/

Adverb

simpliciter (not comparable)

1. (philosophy, law, originally chiefly Scots law, Canadian law) Simply, absolutely; without any qualification or condition.

   The charge was reduced from aggravated assault to assault simpliciter.

   • Paragraph 68, Public Prosecutor v CJH ([2022] SGHC 303)

     Leaving aside this report, I make the general observation firstly that the CA has pointed out in PP v UI [2008] 4 SLR(R) 500 […] that rape simpliciter "is already ‘an inherently odious and reprehensible act’… that exacts ‘irretrievable physical, emotional and psychological scars on [the] victim’” […]

References

• “‖simpliciter, adv.” listed in the Oxford English Dictionary [2^nd Ed.; 1989]

Latin

Etymology

From simplex (“simple, plain”) +‎ -ter.

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /simˈpli.ki.ter/, [s̠ɪmˈplʲɪkɪt̪ɛr]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /simˈpli.t͡ʃi.ter/, [simˈpliːt͡ʃit̪er]

Adverb

simpliciter (comparative simplicius, superlative simplicissimē)

1. simply, plainly, straightforwardly, directly, utterly

Related terms

• simplex
• simplicābilis
• simplicitās
• simplus

References

• “simpliciter”, in Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short (1879) A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
• “simpliciter”, in Charlton T. Lewis (1891) An Elementary Latin Dictionary, New York: Harper & Brothers