ENGLISH
REFERENCE

simplistic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //sɪmˈpɫɪstɪk// UK //sɪmplˈɪstɪk// sim·plis·tic

adj. describing something that is too simple and ignores the difficult parts of a problem. It is usually a criticism because the person is not thinking deeply enough.

adj. treating complex issues as if they were much simpler than they really are. Carries a pejorative connotation, implying a failure to account for necessary nuance or detail.


SIMPLE

His explanation of the economy was far too simplistic.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician's simplistic solution to the housing crisis ignored the complex legal and financial realities of the market.

COMPLEX

While the documentary was visually stunning, critics argued its simplistic narrative arc failed to address the systemic causes of the conflict it sought to explain.

Origin

From simple + -istic.

Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'sound'.

Pitfall

The design is very simplistic and clean.The design is very simple and clean.Learners often use 'simplistic' as a synonym for 'simple', but 'simplistic' is always negative and means 'too simple in a bad way'.

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