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Simplistic vs Oversimple - What's the difference?

simplistic | oversimple |

As adjectives the difference between simplistic and oversimple

is that simplistic is overly simple while oversimple is excessively simple, especially so because of the exclusion of necessary complexity.

simplistic

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Overly simple.
  • In a manner that simplifies a concept or issue so that its nuance and complexity are lost or important details are overlooked.
  • (obsolete) Of or relating to s, or medicinal herbs.
    • (Wilkinson)

    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 * simplified

    oversimple

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Excessively simple, especially so because of the exclusion of necessary complexity.