simplification (simplifikashon)

[= F. simplification = Pg. simplificação = It. simpli ficazione; as simplify + -ation (see -fication ).] The act of simplifying or making simple; reduction from a complex to a simple state: as, the simplification of English spelling. The simplification of machines renders them more and more perfect, but this simplification of the rudiments of languages renders them more and more imperfect, and le proper for many of the purposes of language. Adam Smith , Formation of Languages. Where tones coincide, the number of tones actually present is le than the number of po ible tones, and there is a proportionate simplification: so to put it, more is commanded and with le effort. J. Ward , Encyc. Brit., XX. 69. simplificative (sim'pli-fi-ka-tiv), a. [ simpli ficat (ion) + -ive .] Simplifying, or tending to simplify. " Simplificative evolution" as opposed to "elaborative evolution." E. R. Lankester , Degeneration, p. 71, note c. simplificator (sim'pli-fi-ka-tor), n. [ simplifi cat(ion) +-or1.] One who simplifies, or favors simplification, as of a system, doctrine, etc. [Rare.] This is the supposition of simplificators , who, from the impulse of a faulty cerebral conformation, must needs disbelieve, because theology would otherwise afford them no intellectual exercise. Isaac Taylor, Nat. Hist. Enthusiasm, p. 92. simplify (sim'pli-fi), v.; pret. and pp. simpli fied, fied, ppr. ppr. simplifying. [F. [ simplifier = Sp. Pg. simplificar = It. (refl.) simplificare; irreg., as simple + -fy.] I. trans. To make simple; reduce from complexity to simplicity; also, to make easy of use, execution, performance, or comprehension. Philosophers have generally advised men to shun needle occupations, as the certain impediments of a good and happy life; they bid us endeavour to simplify ourselves. Barrow , Works, II. xxxiv. With no outdoor amusements, and with no summer holiday, how much is life simplified! But the simplicity of life means monotony. W. Besant, Fifty Years Ago, p. 88. II. in trans. To produce or effect simplicity. That is a wonderful simplification, and science always J. N. Lockyer, Spect. Anal., p. 166. The grand simplicities of the Bible. Lowell , Among my Books, 2d ser., p. 246. (d) Freedom from artificial ornament; plainne , as of dre , style, or the like. Give me a look, give me a face, That makes simplicity a grace; Robes loosely flowing, hair as free; Such sweet neglect more taketh me Than all th' adulteries of art. B. Jonson (tr. from Bonnefons), Epicene, i. 1. Thou canst not adorn simplicity . What is naked or defective is susceptible of decoration: what is decorated is simplicity no longer. Landor , Imag. Conv., Epictetus and Seneca. (e) Artle ne of mind or conduct; unaffectedne ; sin cerity; absence of parade or pretense. I swear to thee By the simplicity of Venus' doves, To-morrow truly will I meet with thee. Shak., M. N. D., i. 1. 171. I, for my part, will slack no service that may testify my simplicity . Ford, Love's Sacrifice, iii. 3. He [Madison] had that rare dignity of unconscious simplicity which characterizes the earnest and disinterested scholar. J. Fiske, Critical Period of Amer. Hist., v.