simplification
Reducing to essentials
Simplification is the process of making something less complex or easier to understand.
When you simplify an explanation, a process, or a system, the result is a simplification.
The word often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that important nuances have been lost: That's an oversimplification of the issue.
In mathematics, simplification refers to reducing an expression to its most basic equivalent form.
Explaining wholes through parts
- reductiveOversimplifying complex matters
- distortionTwisting from original state
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- generalizationDeriving principles from examples
stereotype · misrepresentation · dumbing-down · superficial · shallow · naïve · crude · binary
Able to be grasped
- comprehensibleAble to be understood
- lucidMentally sharp and comprehensible
- clear-cutPlainly evident, unmistakable
- intelligibleCapable of being understood
plain · unambiguous · straightforward · uncomplicated · transparent · coherent · articulate · precise
Purification via vaporization
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- coreCentral essential portion
- heartCirculatory system's pump
- gistCentral meaning distilled
kernel · crux · extract · pith · nub · substance · bare-bones · stripped-down
Productive without waste
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- automationSelf-operating system design
- consolidationCombining into unified whole
- integrationCombining into a whole
systematization · standardization · workflow · reengineering · modernization · rationalization · decluttering · organizing
Reducing workforce or scale
- cutbackPlanned reduction in spending
- decreaseBecome or make smaller
- minimizationMaking as small as possible
- paringCutting away rind
trimming · pruning · abbreviation · shortening · condensation · abridgment · truncation · compression
Simplified explanatory sketch
- flowchartDiagram showing workflow steps
- outlineSummary of key elements
- sketchHasty informal drawing
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
chart · graphic · illustration · representation · visualization · model · abstraction · symbolic
Of first principles
- introductoryServing as a beginning
- beginnerOne who lacks experience
- rudimentaryIn simplest possible form
- primerPreparatory coat or guide
fundamental · prerequisite · foundational · basics · ABC · 101 · dumbing-down · layman
reductionism
Explaining wholes through parts
- reductiveOversimplifying complex matters
- distortionTwisting from original state
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
generalization · stereotype · misrepresentation · dumbing-down · superficial · shallow · naïve · crude · binary · black-and-white
understandable
Able to be grasped
- comprehensibleAble to be understood
- lucidMentally sharp and comprehensible
- clear-cutPlainly evident, unmistakable
intelligible · plain · unambiguous · straightforward · uncomplicated · transparent · coherent · articulate · precise · crystal-clear
distillation
Purification via vaporization
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- coreCentral essential portion
- heartCirculatory system's pump
gist · kernel · crux · extract · pith · nub · substance · bare-bones · stripped-down · essentials
efficiency
Productive without waste
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- automationSelf-operating system design
- consolidationCombining into unified whole
integration · systematization · standardization · workflow · reengineering · modernization · rationalization · decluttering · organizing · lean
downsizing
Reducing workforce or scale
- cutbackPlanned reduction in spending
- decreaseBecome or make smaller
- minimizationMaking as small as possible
paring · trimming · pruning · abbreviation · shortening · condensation · abridgment · truncation · compression · contraction
diagram
Simplified explanatory sketch
blueprint · chart · graphic · illustration · representation · visualization · model · abstraction · symbolic · template
elementary
Of first principles
- introductoryServing as a beginning
- beginnerOne who lacks experience
- rudimentaryIn simplest possible form
primer · fundamental · prerequisite · foundational · basics · ABC · 101 · dumbing-down · layman · novice
- algebravariables, equations, equation, polynomials, algebraic equations
- mental shortcutsmental shortcut, rule of thumb, hunch, gut feeling, educated guess
- language reformspelling reform, prescriptivism, phonetic spelling, romanization, pinyin
- refactoringrename, inline, renaming, decomposition, pull up
- sound changesassimilation, elision, deletion, voicing, nasalization
- symbolic mathalgebraic manipulation, factorization, expansion, substitution, equation solving
simplificationcomplication
Factor that adds difficulty
complexification · elaboration · convolution · obfuscation · entanglement
simplificationelaboration
Development through detail
detail · embellishment · amplification · expansion · enrichment
simplificationnuance
Slight shade of difference
complexity · subtlety · differentiation · disambiguation · qualification