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simple-mindedness

simple-mindedness

1 7.2
A way of thinking that is not careful or deep
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪmpəlˈmaɪndədnəs/
  • Offensive
translation icon : mentecatez
  • The student's simple-mindedness was evident in her naive questions about the world.

Examples

  • This combination of simple-mindedness and cruelty is demented.

    Blog text (20)
  • In that, the last couple of years of the internet have eroded any sort of simple-mindedness.

    Blog text (2)
  • When she does, I am inevitably embarrassed about my simple-mindedness and lack of insight, a shortcoming she seems either oblivious to or willing to overlook.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • His simple-mindedness made it difficult for him to understand the complex situation.

  • Despite his simple-mindedness, he had a kind heart and always meant well.

Synonyms

naivety
vssimple-mindedness
7 6.1

Lack of experience or common sense that makes someone trust others easily

emphasizes simplified thinking rather than just inexperienced innocence
simplicity
vssimple-mindedness
4 8.1

Being trusting and easily fooled because of little experience

is more about low complexity of thought than gullibility
shallowness
vssimple-mindedness
3 5.4

A person or idea that shows little deep thought and weak feeling

is about low complexity in thought rather than only depth
obtuseness
vssimple-mindedness
  • Offensive
1 8.1

Being slow to understand or notice things

focuses on simplicity of thought rather than slow mental speed
dumbness
vssimple-mindedness
  • Offensive
1 6.2

A state of not understanding things quickly

focuses on lack of nuance and sophistication rather than lack of IQ
denseness
vssimple-mindedness
  • Offensive
1 7.7

Not able to understand things quickly

concerns simple or unsophisticated thinking rather than low intelligence
dullness
vssimple-mindedness
1 3.8

Slow thinking and trouble understanding new things

is about absence of subtlety and complexity rather than slowness
simplemindedness
vssimple-mindedness
  • Offensive
7.0

Being too quick to trust people and not thinking deeply

focuses on general lack of complexity rather than gullibility
naiveness
vssimple-mindedness
6.4

A lack of experience and knowledge about how the world works

is about low complexity in thinking rather than only innocence
unsophistication
vssimple-mindedness
6.8

A lack of experience and knowledge of the wider world that makes a person seem simple

stresses simple thinking rather than just social or stylistic lack
unperceptiveness
vssimple-mindedness
9.7

A lack of noticing or understanding other people's feelings and needs

is broader, covering overall simple or unsophisticated thinking
dimwittedness
vssimple-mindedness
  • Offensive
7.7

A quality of being slow to understand and making simple mistakes

highlights simple or unsophisticated thinking, not low general intelligence
slow-wittedness
vssimple-mindedness
  • Offensive
8.1

A state when someone is slow to understand things

refers to lack of complexity in thought rather than mere slowness

Antonyms

166 5.0

Many connected parts make something hard to understand

How Simple-Minded

stupidity
51 3.4
foolishness
61 2.7
simple-mindedness
  • Offensive
1 7.2
naivety
7 6.1

Surface Forms

Morphology

simple-mindedness = simple-minded (transparent) = simple + mind + ed + ness

The adjective 'simple-minded' is transparently formed from 'simple' + the combining element '-minded' (having a certain mind), and adding '-ness' forms the noun denoting that quality.

Etymology

Simple-mindedness is made of simple ('not complex'), mind ('thought'), and the ending -ness ('quality'), so it literally means the 'quality of a simple mind'. That's why it describes someone who thinks in a basic, not very deep way.