Words of one syllable Meaning in English

expression

US

WURDZ uv WUN SIH-luh-buhl

UK

WURDZ ov WON SIL-uh-buhl

Definition

To say something in the simplest and clearest way possible, using only the most basic words. This phrase often appears when asking for or giving an explanation that anyone can understand.

Usage & Nuances

Formal or semi-formal; typically used in requests ('Please explain in words of one syllable'), or apologizing for 'talking down' to someone. The phrase emphasizes extreme simplicity, not literal use of only one-syllable words.

• Spanish: palabras de una sílaba (manera simple de decir)
• Portuguese (BR): palavras de uma sílaba (forma simples de dizer)
• Portuguese (PT): palavras de uma sílaba (forma simples de dizer)
• Chinese (Simplified): 用单音节词（简单明了地说）
• Chinese (Traditional): 用單音節詞（簡單明瞭地說）
• Hindi: सिर्फ एक अक्षर के शब्दों में (सरल शब्दों में)
• Arabic: بكلمات من مقطع واحد (بأسلوب بسيط وواضح)
• Bengali: এক শব্দের শব্দে (সহজ ভাষায় বলার জন্য)
• Russian: простыми словами (буквально: слова из одного слога)
• Japanese: 一音節の言葉で（簡単な言葉で）
• Vietnamese: bằng những từ một âm tiết (nói đơn giản)
• Korean: 한 음절 단어로 (쉽게 말하자면)
• Turkish: tek heceli kelimelerle (basitçe anlatmak için)
• Urdu: ایک حرفی الفاظ میں (سادہ انداز میں کہنا)
• Indonesian: dengan kata satu suku kata (dengan cara sederhana)

Example Sentences

Can you explain it in words of one syllable?

basic

Please use words of one syllable for the children.

basic

I need it in words of one syllable, please.

basic

Let me put it in words of one syllable—you’re fired.

natural

He explained the rules in words of one syllable, so everyone understood.

natural

If you can’t get it, I’ll say it again in words of one syllable.

natural