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

• simˈplistically, adverb
• ˈsimplism, noun

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

The simplistic design and instant cash-out feature were particularly praised among its other positive qualities.

From Washington Blade

From high-tech picks like auto-adjusting lamps from Dyson to simplistic styles from Lite Source, there’s a lamp to suit any desktop.

From Popular-Science

“I think it’s an overly simplistic analysis to suggest that one entity alone is responsible for the crime happening in the city,” Josey-Herring said in front of the courthouse, around the same time Geldart was addressing council members.

From Washington Post

Although it contains no small amount of nail-biting tournament footage, and ends on a high note with Osaka’s Australian Open victory earlier this year, this is no simplistic inspirational narrative.

From Time

With a simplistic and aesthetic design, this pick is a high-quality accent that adds warmth and light to any outdoor space.

From Popular-Science

We cannot keep judging mothers by a primitive, antiquated, simplistic standard.

From The Daily Beast

In the most simplistic notion, each book would be one season of television.

From The Daily Beast

Others who served in Iraq at the time however said this was far too simplistic.

From The Daily Beast

Sir Nicholas Henderson, who was in the job when Reagan was elected, described him as a dogmatic and simplistic man.

From The Daily Beast

However, an insidious form of segregation, happening within the educational system, belies this simplistic view.

From The Daily Beast

No, not along this line of one-dimensional, linear, simplistic form of determinism.

From Project Gutenberg

The structure of the Ars Grammaticae, however, follows a much more simplistic design than that of the Arte.

From Project Gutenberg

The Discourse typifies Sheridan's simplistic interpretation and the evangelistic ardor with which he addressed his audiences.

From Project Gutenberg

We cannot resort to simplistic or extreme solutions which substitute myths for common sense.

From Project Gutenberg

I urge Congress to continue on this steady path and resist the simplistic solutions that have been proposed as alternatives.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• childish