reductive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reductive" is a correct and usable word in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe something that simplifies or reduces complex ideas or theories to their basic components. For example, "The professor's reductive explanation of the novel made it easier for the students to understand the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Models of explanatory reduction typically assume that reductive explanation is causal explanation, where a higher level feature is explained by the interaction of constituent parts.

SEP

One model which materialists use for their reductive view of consciousness is from physics: for instance, in the reduction of thermodynamics to statistical mechanics, the temperature of a gas is explained in terms of the mean kinetic energy of its constituent molecules.

The Economist

We do not preach to the converted or make it reductive because that is what I am railing against; the sort of simplistic reductiveness of how the world sees each other.The political views of the novel's protagonist are likely to anger many in the West.

The Economist

"That's just what I intend to do in this book with a reductive analysis of people who have succeeded at something".

The Guardian - Books

"So it's not that I thought 'I'm playing a journalist, what an awful thing to do.' That's a really simplistic, reductive thing that certain sections of the press do".

The Guardian - Film

All in all, it's a brutally reductive conception of civic life, and one with little to offer those of us whose notions of citizenhood are more robust.

The Guardian

Kevin Pietersen's presence or otherwise in the squad is now in its own reductive way perhaps the most significant part of its announcement.

The Guardian - Sport

Much of the instant analysis was inevitably reductive.

The Guardian

The overall rule is to say what a plain-speaking English-speaker would say and to avoid waffle.Against that is the curiously Anglophone fact that referring to people with a noun minus an adjective seems reductive, especially for groups that have been persecuted or are more vulnerable than others.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The opponents of non-reductive physicalism then insist that this gives us an unacceptable proliferation of causes for the physical effects of special causes after all both the physical cause implied by the causal closure thesis and the distinct special cause.

SEP

So the supervenience of intrinsic value removes the option of a non-reductive naturalism without contradicting his version of ethical non-naturalism.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reductive", ensure you are not oversimplifying complex issues to the point of misrepresentation. Provide context to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't use "reductive" as a synonym for "simple" without considering the potential for negative connotations. It often implies a loss of important detail or nuance.

Linguistic Context

The word "reductive" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe something that simplifies or reduces complex ideas, arguments, or systems to their basic components. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "reductive" is a versatile adjective with applications across various fields, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes the simplification of complex concepts, analyses, or systems. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential negative connotations, as a "reductive" approach can sometimes imply a loss of important nuance. In academic and scientific writing, "reductive" can be used to describe a specific methodological approach, while in news and media it might critique oversimplified explanations. Using alternatives like "simplistic" or "reductionist" can fine-tune your writing depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reductionist

Emphasizes the act of reducing something complex to its constituent parts.

simplistic

Focuses on the oversimplified nature of something, often implying a lack of nuance.

oversimplified

Highlights that something has been made too simple, potentially losing accuracy.

basic

Indicates that something is at its fundamental level, lacking elaboration.

elementary

Similar to basic, but often used in the context of education or fundamental principles.

abridged

Describes something shortened, typically a text or story.

condensed

Suggests something has been reduced in size or length, often while retaining key elements.

distilled

Implies that something has been refined to its essential components.

shortened

Indicates that something has been made shorter in length or duration.

downsized

Describes something reduced in size, often used in a business context.

FAQs

How can I use "reductive" in a sentence?

You can use "reductive" to describe an analysis, explanation, or approach that simplifies a complex topic. For example, "The analysis was reductive, focusing only on the economic factors."

What is a synonym for "reductive"?

Synonyms for "reductive" include "simplistic", "reductionist", and "oversimplified". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean if an argument is described as "reductive"?

If an argument is described as "reductive", it means that it has been simplified to its most basic elements, potentially ignoring important details or nuances. This can make the argument easier to understand, but it may also make it less accurate or persuasive.

Is being "reductive" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. While "reductive" can have negative connotations of oversimplification, it can also be useful for understanding complex topics by breaking them down into smaller parts. The key is to avoid being too reductive and losing important information.