simplistic
characterized by extreme simplism; oversimplified: a simplistic notion of good and bad.
Origin of simplistic
1confusables note For 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.
Other words from simplistic
- sim·plis·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Words that may be confused with simplistic
- simple, simplified, simplistic (see confusables note at the current entry)
Words Nearby simplistic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use simplistic in a sentence
The simplistic design and instant cash-out feature were particularly praised among its other positive qualities.
The Best Bitcoin Dice Gambling Sites (2021 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide) | Special to the Washington Blade | August 25, 2021 | Washington BladeFrom high-tech picks like auto-adjusting lamps from Dyson to simplistic styles from Lite Source, there’s a lamp to suit any desktop.
“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.
Top D.C. Superior Court judges rebut Bowser’s complaints about case backlogs | Paul M. Duggan | July 30, 2021 | Washington PostAlthough 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.
With a simplistic and aesthetic design, this pick is a high-quality accent that adds warmth and light to any outdoor space.
The best fire pit for outdoors: Spark up some backyard fun | Florie Korani | July 21, 2021 | Popular-Science
We cannot keep judging mothers by a primitive, antiquated, simplistic standard.
In the most simplistic notion, each book would be one season of television.
Vampires without Glitter or Girl Problems: Inside Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Strain’ | Andrew Romano | July 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTOthers who served in Iraq at the time however said this was far too simplistic.
Why the White House Ignored All Those Warnings About ISIS | Eli Lake | July 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSir Nicholas Henderson, who was in the job when Reagan was elected, described him as a dogmatic and simplistic man.
British Officials Portrayed Reagan as a “Bozo” | Nico Hines, Ben Jacobs | April 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHowever, an insidious form of segregation, happening within the educational system, belies this simplistic view.
Roma Children Face Segregation In EU Schools | Amana Fontanella-Khan | March 8, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNo, not along this line of one-dimensional, linear, simplistic form of determinism.
The Civilization of Illiteracy | Mihai NadinThe structure of the Ars Grammaticae, however, follows a much more simplistic design than that of the Arte.
Diego Collado's Grammar of the Japanese Language | Diego ColladoThe Discourse typifies Sheridan's simplistic interpretation and the evangelistic ardor with which he addressed his audiences.
We cannot resort to simplistic or extreme solutions which substitute myths for common sense.
I urge Congress to continue on this steady path and resist the simplistic solutions that have been proposed as alternatives.
British Dictionary definitions for simplistic
/ (sɪmˈplɪstɪk) /
characterized by extreme simplicity; naive
oversimplifying complex problems; making unrealistically simple judgments or analyses
usage For simplistic
Derived forms of simplistic
- simplism, noun
- simplistically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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