simplistic

English

Adjective

simplistic (comparative more simplistic, superlative most simplistic)

1. Overly simple.
2. In a manner that simplifies a concept or issue so that its nuance and complexity are lost or important details are overlooked.
3. (obsolete) Of or relating to simples, or medicinal herbs.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Wilkinson to this entry?)

Translations

overly simple

• Finnish: simplistinen (fi), yliyksinkertaistettu (fi)
• French: simpliste (fr)

• Hebrew: פשטני (he) m
• Spanish: simplista (es)

Usage notes

This is not to be conflated with “simple”. Simplistic implies simplicity that distorts the topic, whereas simple does not. The phrase “overly simplistic” is therefore a tautology.

See also

• simplism n.
• simplistically adv.
• simpleton