Well-read · Often misused · Arguing & persuading
Simplistic: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Simplistic adjective. Treating something complicated as if it were much simpler than it really is.
How to say it
sim-PLIS-tik/sɪmˈplɪstɪk/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (PLIS).
Simplistic in a sentence
Blaming the whole crisis on one man is simplistic.
The film paints a simplistic picture of heroes and villains.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- oversimplified
- facile
- naive
- shallow
Opposite:
- nuanced
- sophisticated
- subtle
Careful
Simplistic is a criticism: too simple. It's often used as a grander word for simple ('a simplistic design'), which accidentally insults the thing you meant to praise.
Where simplistic comes from
Formed from simple in the 1800s.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The film paints a _____ picture of heroes and villains.
- inchoate
- simplistic
- masterful
Show the answer
simplistic: The film paints a simplistic picture of heroes and villains.