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oversimplify

[ oh-ver-sim-pluh-fahy ]

/ ˌoʊ vərˈsɪm pləˌfaɪ /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR oversimplify ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with or without object), o·ver·sim·pli·fied, o·ver·sim·pli·fy·ing.

to simplify to the point of error, distortion, or misrepresentation.

Origin of oversimplify

First recorded in 1920–25; over- + simplify

OTHER WORDS FROM oversimplify

o·ver·sim·pli·fi·ca·tion, noun

Words nearby oversimplify

overshoot, overshot, overshot wheel, overside, oversight, oversimplify, oversize, overskirt, overslaugh, oversleep, oversleeve

Example sentences from the Web for oversimplification

This was a gross oversimplification of a more complex reality.

Why Aren’t Sanctions Stopping Putin? |Meghan L. O’Sullivan |May 13, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
This is a mind-bending level of conflation and oversimplification.

What the Heck Is Romney Saying About the Economy? |Jesse Singal |August 14, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
His oversimplification of the conflict demands that he delegitimize the views of those who dissent from his simplistic narrative.

Christian Zionism: An Extended Reality Check |David Brog |July 18, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
These days, unfortunately, this oversimplification is all that seems to make it into the newspapers or on the airwaves.

Syria’s Propaganda Cloud: How the West Is Falling for Misinformation |Riad al Khouri |June 22, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

It is an oversimplification, however, to say Bennington has no requirements.

Bogus College Stereotypes |Kathleen Kingsbury |July 19, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
This assumption was an oversimplification; all adult males did not reach breeding condition at the same time of year.

Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado |Charles L. Douglas

British Dictionary definitions for oversimplification

oversimplify

/ (ˌəʊvəˈsɪmplɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied

to simplify (something) to the point of distortion or error

Derived forms of oversimplify

oversimplification, noun