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simplification

B2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˌɪmplɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/

US

  • /ˌsɪmpləfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Description

Simplification is the act of making something less complicated – whether it's a complex math problem, a confusing set of instructions, or even your daily routine. Think of a chef simplifying a recipe by using fewer ingredients, or an artist simplifying a landscape painting to focus on its essential shapes.

Sometimes simplification is about efficiency: streamlining a process to save time and effort. Other times it's about clarity – breaking down a difficult concept into smaller, more understandable parts. A politician might promise "tax simplification," while a writer might aim for "narrative simplification" to keep the story moving. Be careful though! Sometimes oversimplification can lose important details or nuance.

Examples

  1. 1

    Classroom diagram

    The diagram is a simplification of the human brain, but it helps students get started.

  2. 2

    Digital system

    The app was meant to be a simplification of the old paper system.

  3. 3

    Simplifying assumption

    For the sake of simplification, let's assume all the trains arrive on time.

    • Phrase

      for the sake of simplification

      to keep the explanation or discussion simpler

  4. 4

    Conflict summary

    His summary of the conflict was too neat to be true; it was a simplification of a much more complicated history.

  5. 5

    Company structure

    After the merger, the company went through a major simplification of its management structure.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • simplificationnoun

Forms

  • simplificationspluralnoun