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Simplistic vs Theoretical - What's the difference?

simplistic | theoretical |

As adjectives the difference between simplistic and theoretical

is that simplistic is overly simple while theoretical is of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

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

    theoretical

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

    • Derived terms

    * intertheoretical * intratheoretical * nontheoretical

    Coordinate terms

    * practical