Usage Note
Simplement is used to downplay an action or explanation, much like English 'just' or 'merely'. It appears frequently in the phrase tout simplement ('quite simply' or 'plain and simple'), which speakers use to emphasize an obvious conclusion. Unlike juste, it carries a slight formal register.
Examples
"Je voulais simplement te remercier."
Natural Translation
I simply wanted to thank you.
Literal Translation
I wanted simply to-you to-thank

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