oversimplify

[ oh-ver-sim-pluh-fahy ]

verb (used with or without object)

, o·ver·sim·pli·fied, o·ver·sim·pli·fy·ing.

1. to simplify to the point of error, distortion, or misrepresentation.

oversimplify

/ ˌəʊvəˈsɪmplɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to simplify (something) to the point of distortion or error

Derived Forms

• ˌoverˌsimplifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• over·simpli·fi·cation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oversimplify¹

First recorded in 1920–25; over- + simplify

Example Sentences

Winning over audiences to these stories requires striking a balance between clarity and complexity without oversimplifying its dizzily complex politics and mythology.

From Salon

As with the “defund” debate more broadly, the rhetoric on both sides is oversimplified — and the reality much more nuanced.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, AI could bastardize traditional recipes and methods, since AI is prone to stereotyping, for example flattening or oversimplifying cultural details and distinctions.

From Salon

“But to automatically just say there’s got to be something nefarious, I think to us that is oversimplified.”

From Salon

But I know that things can get flattened and oversimplified and changed on social media so I’m not without some concern about it.

From Los Angeles Times