oversimplified
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈsɪmplɪfaɪd/
KK: /oʊvərˈsɪmplɪfaɪd/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that has been made too simple, often losing important details or meaning.
Example
The teacher's explanation was oversimplified, leaving out key concepts that students needed to understand.
Conversation
I think the explanation in that article was too oversimplified for complex topics.
Yeah, it glossed over some really important details.
Exactly! It makes it hard to understand the bigger picture.
I prefer when they dive deeper instead of just simplifying everything.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
simplistic
reductive
naive
Antonyms
complex
detailed
nuanced
verb
Definition
To make something simpler than it really is, often by ignoring important details.
Example
The teacher oversimplified the complex topic, making it hard for students to understand the nuances.
Tense Forms
Past: oversimplified
Past Participle: oversimplified
Conversation
Did you read the article about climate change?
Yeah, but I think it oversimplified some of the issues.
Exactly! It didn't cover the complexities at all.
Root Explanation
Oversimplified → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "simplified" (from the root "simple" which comes from Latin "simplus", meaning single or uncomplicated, plus the suffix "-ify" meaning to make). The word "oversimplified" means made excessively simple, often to the point of losing important details or nuances.
Memory Tip
Think of something being made 'excessively' ('over-') 'simple' ('simple') — that's why oversimplified means too simple.
Visually Confused Words
simplified