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Simply vs Simplistic - What's the difference?

simply | simplistic |

As an adverb simply

is (manner) in a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.

As an adjective simplistic is

overly simple.

simply

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • (manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
  • (manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety; clearly; obviously; unquestionably.
  • (manner) Weakly; foolishly; stupidly.
    • (Johnson)
  • (focus) Merely; solely.
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    • , page=13 (Technology Quarterly), magazine=(The Economist) , title= Ideas coming down the track , passage=A “moving platform” scheme
  • (degree) absolutely, positively.
  • (speech act) Frankly.

    • Antonyms

    * complexly

    Related terms

    * single

    Statistics

    * English degree adverbs English focus adverbs English manner adverbs English speech-act adverbs

    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