Reductive: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when discussing something that unfairly simplifies a complex issue or when someone breaks down a topic in a way that loses important nuances.

• The analysis was criticized for being too reductive
• Calling all classical music boring is a reductive statement

Used in a more neutral or positive light, describing making something easier to understand or do without losing important information.

• She did a great job simplifying the instructions for us
• We need to focus on simplifying the process

Used to describe when someone makes something too simple, often missing important details and making things misleading.

• His explanation was problematic because it was oversimplifying the issue
• By oversimplifying the problem, they failed to address the root cause

Used in a negative way to describe something that is overly simple and misses complexity, often seen as naive or superficial.

• His views on politics are too simplistic
• It's simplistic to think that success comes only from hard work

This term is often used when describing something that oversimplifies a complex subject, usually with a somewhat negative connotation.

• Her interpretation of the movie was reductive, ignoring its deeper messages
• The article provided a reductive explanation of the issue

This term is best used to describe something that is stripped down to its most essential elements, often relating to art, design, or lifestyle.

• Her apartment was decorated in a minimalist style with only the essentials
• He lived a minimalist lifestyle, avoiding excess

This word is appropriate when something has been made easier to understand or follow, often through reduction of complexity, generally without negative implications.

• The manual was simplified for the new users
• The teacher simplified the math problem for the students

This word is suitable when referring to things that exist as an idea or quality rather than something concrete. It can also pertain to art that does not attempt to represent reality.

• The concept of freedom is quite abstract
• The gallery featured many abstract paintings