oversimplify
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/
KK: /oʊvərˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make something too simple, often leading to misunderstandings or inaccuracies.
Example
It's easy to oversimplify complex issues when discussing them in a short article.
Tense Forms
Past: oversimplified
Past Participle: oversimplified
Conversation
I feel like some people really oversimplify complex issues.
Totally, it can lead to misunderstandings.
Yeah, when you oversimplify, you miss important details.
Exactly! It's better to have a full picture before making conclusions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
simplify
reduce
streamline
Antonyms
complicate
confuse
obscure
transitive verb
Definition
To make something simpler than it really is, often leading to misunderstandings or inaccuracies.
Example
It's easy to oversimplify complex issues and miss important details.
Tense Forms
Past: oversimplified
Past Participle: oversimplified
Conversation
I feel like some people really oversimplify complex issues.
Totally! It can lead to misunderstandings, right?
Exactly, and it makes it hard to have a real conversation.
Root Explanation
Oversimplify → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "simplify" (from Latin "simplificare", where "simplex" means simple and "facere" means to make). The word means to make something excessively simple, often to the point of losing important details or nuances.
Memory Tip
Think of making something 'excessively' ('over-') 'simple' ('simplify') — that's why oversimplify means to make something too simple.
Visually Confused Words
supersimplify
simplify