Simplistic vs Straightforward - What's the difference?
simplistic | straightforward |
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.
Proceeding in a straight course or manner; not deviating; honest; frank.
* 1992 , George J. Church, "Why Voters Don't Trust Clinton," Time , 20 Apr, p. 38,
easy, simple, without difficulty
* 2013 , Daniel Taylor, Steven Gerrard goal against Poland ensures England will go to World Cup'' (in ''The Guardian , 15 October 2013)[http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/15/england-poland-world-cup-qualifier]
As adjectives the difference between simplistic and straightforward
is that simplistic is overly simple while straightforward is proceeding in a straight course or manner; not deviating; honest; frank.As an adverb straightforward is
in a straightforward manner.simplistic
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- (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 * simplifiedstraightforward
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- A great deal of the uneasiness about Clinton reflects his propensity to dance away from straightforward yes or no answers to any character question.
- Poland played with great energy, quick to the ball, strong in the challenge, and projecting the clear sense they had absolutely no intention whatsoever of making this a straightforward night.
