reductionist
|re-duc-tion-ist|
C1
/rɪˈdʌkʃənɪst/
simplifying complex ideas
Etymology
Etymology Information
'reductionist' originates from the word 'reduction,' which comes from Latin 'reductio,' meaning 'a leading back.'
Historical Evolution
'reductio' transformed into the French word 'réduction,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reduction' with the suffix '-ist' to form 'reductionist.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a leading back to simpler forms,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'simplifying complex ideas.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, or condition to its basic components.
The scientist's reductionist approach was criticized for oversimplifying the problem.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45