oversimplify

American  

[oh-ver-sim-pluh-fahy] / ˌoʊ vərˈsɪm pləˌfaɪ /

verb (used with or without object)

oversimplified, oversimplifying

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

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oversimplify British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈsɪmplɪˌfaɪ /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• oversimplification noun

Etymology

Origin of oversimplify

First recorded in 1920–25; over- + simplify

Example Sentences

“Blanket messages may oversimplify complex evidence,” they wrote.

From MarketWatch

“By choosing not to use the standard generational labels when they’re not appropriate, we can avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or oversimplifying people’s complex lived experiences,” wrote Kim Parker, director of social trends research at Pew.

From Salon

"The ice giant classification is oversimplified as Uranus and Neptune are still poorly understood," says Luca Morf, PhD student at the University of Zurich and lead author of the work.

From Science Daily

The researchers argue that predictions of an ongoing mass extinction may rely on oversimplified or outdated assumptions.

From Science Daily

"I was actively looking for more views and I lost my academic integrity. I crossed a boundary and oversimplified some information and I feel a bit dirty now."

From BBC