Which is correct — simple or simplistic?

Which is correct? A good markup language should be as ________ as possible, rather than needlessly complicated. a. simple b. simplistic

Answer: a.

Explanation: Something that’s simple is reduced to its basic elements; something that’s simplistic is reduced beyond that so that something is lacking. A simplistic argument, for example, is one that is invalid because it ignores the complexities of the issues involved.

Here’s more about simple vs. simplistic.