'simplification' originates from Latin (via Old French), specifically the Late Latin word 'simplificatio' (from 'simplificare'), where 'simplex'/'simplic-' meant 'simple' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.

'simplification' changed from Late Latin 'simplificatio' and Old French 'simplification' into Middle English forms such as 'simplificacioun', and eventually became the modern English word 'simplification'.

Initially, it meant 'the act of making simple'; over time it came to be used also for 'a simplified form or version' (i.e., the result of simplifying).