simplistic

[ sim-plis-tik ]

adjective

1. characterized by extreme simplism; oversimplified:

   a simplistic notion of good and bad.

simplistic

/ sɪmˈplɪstɪk /

adjective

1. characterized by extreme simplicity; naive
2. oversimplifying complex problems; making unrealistically simple judgments or analyses

Usage

Since simplistic already has too as part of its meaning, it is tautologous to talk about something being too simplistic or over-simplistic

Confusables Note

Contrary to what some people believe, simplistic is not a fancy word for simple. Simplistic does not describe things that are easy to understand, deal with, or use. Those sorts of things are simply simple. However, if something is too simple—misleadingly so—then it is correctly called simplistic. An argument that glosses over or omits relevant facts and presents trite, hackneyed, slogan-like statements and sound bites is indeed simplistic. Simple —unlike simplistic —is a term that can describe not only issues, statements, and arguments, but all manner of things observable by our senses. It can describe art, music, food, clothing—just about anything. And it is a neutral term. That is, if something is said to be simple, that can be considered either a good thing or a bad thing depending upon one’s taste. But the word is very often used positively—as encapsulated in the well-worn creative principle “Less is more”—to describe language that is straightforward and easy to understand, clothing that is not overly elaborate or excessively decorated, or architecture with clean lines. And something simple can be elegant too. To describe such things as simplistic would be an insult to their creators. And it would be ironic to use what one thinks of as a more exotic, ornamental, impressive term to describe something clear or plain and unadorned—something that is, in fact, simple.

Derived Forms

• ˈsimplism, noun
• simˈplistically, adverb

Other Words From

• sim·plisti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of simplistic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; simple + -istic

Example Sentences

Presented as compelling theater, they brought in-depth insight into our often simplistic attempts to understand the Russian mind, with its complex aspirations, fears and insecurity that can lead to greatness, grandiosity or outright malevolence.

From Los Angeles Times

Inside United they believe labelling Amorim as someone who plays with three central defenders is too simplistic.

From BBC

It is too simplistic to say the big man at the back and the big man at the front have Forest ticking - but it is definitely working.

From BBC

"I’m keen to emphasise that there's a sort of simplistic press debate in part of the media that thinks this is about the transfer of cash," he said.

From BBC

The film’s legacy remains mixed, with critics spending the ensuing decades deconstructing everything from its awards love to its simplistic view of race and disability.

From Salon

Related Words

• childish