oversimplification

Everyday

1. A way of explaining something that makes it far too simple, so that important parts are left out and it becomes wrong or misleading. tree →
2. The act of making something too simple. tree →

In the lessons

In science and history lessons, teachers say "that's an oversimplification" when an answer is too simple to be true, e.g. "the Romans were just cruel". It reminds pupils that real causes are often many. In debates, it warns against easy answers. Phrases: a bit of an oversimplification, a gross oversimplification.

Examples

• Saying "plants eat soil" is an oversimplification. tree →
• It is an oversimplification to say the war started because of one shot. tree →
• "All dogs love bones" is an oversimplification. tree →
• The teacher said our poster was clear but an oversimplification. tree →
• Calling the weather "just hot or cold" is an oversimplification. tree →
• Some oversimplification helps beginners learn, but later you need the details. tree →

Note

Countable: an oversimplification (starts with a vowel sound, so "an"). Verb: oversimplify; adjective: oversimplified. A simple explanation is fine; an oversimplification is one so simple that it misleads.