Definition

Describing something that is excessively simple and does not capture the complexity or details of a situation.

Example

The teacher's oversimple explanation left out many important details.

Conversation

I read that article on climate change, but it felt a bit oversimple to me.

Yeah, I noticed that too. They skipped over a lot of important details.

Exactly! It's frustrating when complex issues get such an oversimple treatment.

Totally! It makes it hard to really understand the problem.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oversimple → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "simple" (from Latin "simplus", meaning single or uncomplicated). The word "oversimple" means excessively simple or lacking in complexity.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'excessively' ('over-') 'uncomplicated' ('simple') — that's why oversimple means too simple.

Visually Confused Words