simplistic

simplistic [sim-plis-tik] ExamplesWord Origin adjective

1. characterized by extreme simplism; oversimplified: a simplistic notion of good and bad.

Origin of simplistic First recorded in 1855–60; simple + -istic Related formssim·plis·ti·cal·ly, adverbCan be confusedsimple simplified simplistic (see confusables note at the current entry)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. Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019 Examples from the Web for simplistically Contemporary Examples of simplistically

That the sentiment is increasingly and simplistically being associated with Islam is as problematic as it seems inevitable.

Karen Armstrong’s New Rule: Religion Isn’t Responsible for Violence

Patricia Pearson

October 29, 2014

British Dictionary definitions for simplistically simplistic adjective

1. characterized by extreme simplicity; naive
2. oversimplifying complex problems; making unrealistically simple judgments or analyses

Derived Formssimplism, nounsimplistically, adverbusage Since simplistic already has too as part of its meaning, it is tautologous to talk about something being too simplistic or over-simplistic 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 Word Origin and History for simplistically simplistic adj.

“simple, plain, not compound,” 1844, from simple (adj.) + -istic. From 1867 as “over-simple, trying to explain too much by a single principle.” Also (1860) “of or pertaining to simples” (herbs used in healing, medicine of one ingredient only; the notion being that each herb possesses a particular virtue, thus a “simple” remedy), from simplist “one who studies simples” (1590s; see simple (adj.)) + -ic.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper