ScienceAugust 30, 2026
problematise
PROB-luh-muh-tyze
Definition
To highlight or question the underlying assumptions or oversimplifications of a concept or practice, often to suggest it is more complex than typically perceived.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'problema' (a task or problem), the verb entered English in the 19th century to describe the act of presenting something as a problem that requires further investigation or analysis.
In the news
The author uses this term to describe her goal of challenging the tendency to oversimplify dog gestures into fixed, dictionary-like meanings, emphasizing that communication is actually nuanced and dynamic.
A new paper offers valuable advice on studying human-dog interactions.
Read the full article ↗Psychology Today