oversimplification
過度の単純化
解説 Definition
複雑な問題や状況を必要以上に単純に捉えてしまうこと。
Oversimplification is explaining something in a way that makes it seem much simpler than it really is. This can leave out important details, causes, or differences. It is often used when talking about complex topics such as science, history, or social issues.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
まず core は simplify。simple にすることだと分かれば、その前の over- で「やりすぎ」、-ation で「その行為・結果」という形が見えます。つまり「単純化する」ではなく「単純化しすぎること」。complex problem や social issue のような、本来は入り組んだ対象と一緒に出やすい語です。a simplification は説明のための整理でも、an oversimplification だと重要な要素を落としてしまった、という批判の響きになる点をセットで覚えると定着します。
Start with `simplify` = make something simple. Add `over-`, like in `overdo` or `overreact`, and you get the idea of doing it too much. `Oversimplification` is often used for complex things like social issues or big problems, where making it too simple becomes a criticism.
例文
Calling it merely a 'communication problem' is an oversimplification of the issue.
それを単に「コミュニケーションの問題」と呼ぶのは問題の過度の単純化だ。
The textbook was criticized for its oversimplification of complex historical events.
その教科書は複雑な歴史的出来事を過度に単純化しているとして批判された。
Any explanation of climate change in a single paragraph is bound to be an oversimplification.
気候変動を一段落で説明しようとすれば、必然的に過度の単純化になる。
oversimplification の類義語・関連語
oversimplification の語源・成り立ち Etymology
oversimplification は over「過度に」+ simplify「単純化する」+ -ation「こと」。simplify はラテン語 simplex「一重の」由来で、simple や complex と同じく「折る」を含む語根があり、物事を一枚にたたみ過ぎる感じがこの語です。
Oversimplification is built from over-, simplify, and the noun ending -ation. Simplify comes from simple, from Latin simplex, meaning "single" or "folded once." The word developed through the idea of making something into a single, less complicated form, and oversimplification adds the sense of doing that too far. Related English words include simple, simplify, and complex.
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