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oversimplify

verb over·sim·pli·fy \ ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī \
|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of oversimplify

transitive verb
: to simplify to such an extent as to bring about distortion, misunderstanding, or error
intransitive verb
: to engage in undue or extreme simplification
—

oversimplification

play \ˌō-vər-ˌsim-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

See oversimplify defined for English-language learners

See oversimplify defined for kids

Examples of oversimplify in a Sentence

  1. The article oversimplifies the problem.

  2. She tends to oversimplify things.

  3. We must resist the temptation to oversimplify.

Recent Examples of oversimplify from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oversimplify.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of oversimplify

1897

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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OVERSIMPLIFY Defined for English Language Learners

oversimplify

verb

Definition of oversimplify for English Language Learners

  • : to describe (something) in a way that does not include all the facts and details and that causes misunderstanding

OVERSIMPLIFY Defined for Kids

oversimplify

verb over·sim·pli·fy \ ˌō-vər-ˈsim-plə-ˌfī \

Definition of oversimplify for Students

oversimplified; oversimplifying
: to cause (something) to seem simpler than it is
  • He oversimplified a complicated problem.

Learn More about oversimplify

  1. See words that rhyme with oversimplify Nglish: Translation of oversimplify for Spanish speakers

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