Difference Between Simple and Simpleton
Most of us confuse the two words simple and simpleton to have the same meaning. But this is not true as both differ a great deal in their meaning. When we have to use an adjective to “something easily understood or done”, then we use simple. It is totally opposite in meaning of something that is not complex or clear. The word simple does not depict variety, intricacy or luxury. It has been derived form the word ‘simplus’.
A simple person is one who has an ordinary appearance or style. He can also be called a humble person. When we use simple as an adverb we call it “simply”. For example, “the work was simply done”.
Now we come to the word ‘simpleton’. An unwise person is referred as a simpleton. So when we say “he is a simpleton”, we mean that he is a foolish person. Hence the person ends up calling a simple person a foolish one! Both of these words have to be used cautiously. Simpleton also depicts other meanings like innocence and half-witted. If in a sentence there is a subject and a predicate, then it is a simple sentence.