Definition

Relating to a way of thinking that simplifies complex things into their basic parts, often ignoring the bigger picture.

Example

His reductionistic approach to the problem overlooked important social factors.

Conversation

I read an article about science the other day, and it was quite reductionistic in its approach.

Really? I find those kinds of articles often miss the bigger picture.

Exactly! It's like they try to simplify everything too much.

Right, sometimes complexity is what makes things interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Reductionistic → It is formed from "reduction" (from Latin "reductio", meaning a bringing back or reducing) and the suffix "-istic" (meaning pertaining to or characteristic of). The word "reductionistic" refers to an approach that emphasizes reducing complex phenomena to their simplest components or elements.

Memory Tip

Think of the idea of 'bringing back' or 'reducing' something to its simplest form, which is what reductionistic means.

Visually Confused Words