schematic

Represented too simply or in an overly formulaic way, reflecting a shallow or incomplete understanding of complex subject matter.

Adjective

  1. Represented too simply or in an overly formulaic way, reflecting a shallow or incomplete understanding of complex subject matter.
  2. Sketchy, incomplete.
    • Dr. Starbuck gives an interesting, and it seems to me a true, account—so far as conceptions so schematic can claim truth at all[…] - 1902, William James, “Lecture IX. Conversion.”, in The Varieties of Religious...
  3. Relating to a schema.
    • Given the terminology we have introduced here, we can say that all of the bracketed phrases in (3) above are of the schematic form (4) below: (4) Specifier + Head + Complement Now, we have already argued in the case of...

Origin

From scheme or schema + -atic.

Forms

more schematic most schematic

Derived

schematic drawing schematic variable

Noun

  1. A simplified line drawing used by scientists, engineers, technologists and others to illustrate a system at an abstract level. Schematic drawings often use standard symbols for clarity.
    • I'll have to study the schematics for the new integrated circuit before I can create a good layout.
    • In contrast to other media players and similar devices, the Chumby’s internal schematics and source code — the programs that make it work — are completely open and available on www.chumby.com. - 2007 November 15, John...

Forms

schematics

Synonyms

diagram