[This is a principle that theories to explain why something occurred should not be multiplied unnecessarily, meaning that the simplest of competing theories be preferred to the more complex. It is named after English Franciscan friar William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347). It is sometimes used in an adjectival sense “an Occam’s razor explanation”) as in the examples given here.)
A recent Gallup poll found that 56% of Americans say that they are better off than they were four years ago. … Yet Mr. Trump has never had an approval rating higher than 50% in four years. The Occam’s razor explanation is that most people like Mr. Trump’s policy results but dislike the way he has conducted his Presidency. (Author not given, “The Trump Referendum,” The Wall Street Journal, 11/1/2020.)
Less than two weeks ago, my husband dropped a bomb—he says that he is no longer attracted to me and feels that we don’t have much in common anymore. What can I do about this? [Answer:] The obvious Occam’s razor explanation is worth considering: Husband is cheating. (Author not given, “Husband No Longer Attracted,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 04/20/2017.)
When used in the above context as a noun, Occam’s razor can be synonymous with theory, justification, or reason. When used as an adjective in the above context, it can be synonymous with easiest, simplest, or uncomplicated.
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