simplistic
- 01 C1 Advanced
describing something that is too simple because it ignores the difficult or complicated parts of a problem.
characterised by extreme oversimplification, especially in a way that fails to address the complexities or nuances of a subject.
Simple“The politician's solution to the economic crisis was far too simplistic to actually work.”
In context“Critics argued that the documentary offered a simplistic view of the conflict, failing to account for the centuries of cultural tension involved.”
UsageUsually functions as a pejorative or critical descriptor rather than a neutral one.
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse this with 'simple'. Emphasize that 'simplistic' is almost always a negative criticism, whereas 'simple' is often a compliment.
PitfallThe teacher gave a simplistic explanation for the kids. The teacher gave a simple explanation for the kids.Use 'simple' for something easy to understand. Use 'simplistic' only as a criticism for something that is too simple to be true or useful.
Antonyms
“However, “It is too simplistic to suggest that British reviewers were uniformly supportive of Lloyd Webber and that Americans were uniformly hostile,” writes Amanda Eubanks Winkler in Cambridge Opera Journal .”
“Giving simplistic solutions can minimize the internal conflict your loved one is going through and reduce your chances of talking with them again on this topic.”
From simple + -istic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.