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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Complex: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：intricate or complicated (complex)

complex 🔊

/ˈkɒmpleks/

adj./n.

Something that is complex has many different parts connected in a way that is difficult to understand.

Complex concept illustrated by a tangled knot of multi-colored wires and connectors

intricate or complicated 🔊

➕

/ˈɪn.trɪ.kət ɔːr ˈkɒm.plɪ.keɪ.tɪd/

adj./n.

This meaning describes something consisting of many interconnected parts, making it hard to analyze, understand, or solve.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'complexus', meaning 'woven together' (com- 'together' + plectere 'to braid').

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'COM' (together) + 'PLEX' (braid/weave). A complex idea has many thoughts braided together.

📖 Example

The complex instructions for assembling the furniture made it a frustrating weekend project. 🔊 The intricate instructions for assembling the furniture made it a frustrating weekend project.

🔗 Collocations

complex system – a system with many interacting components

complex issue – a problem with many facets and no simple solution

complex relationship – a relationship with many interwoven emotional and social factors

🔄 Synonyms

intricate (adj.) – having many interrelated parts or details; complicated.

complicated (adj.) – consisting of many interconnecting parts or elements; intricate.

sophisticated (adj.) – developed to a high degree of complexity, often implying advanced or intricate design.

🚫 Antonyms

simple (adj.) – easily understood or done; not complicated.

straightforward (adj.) – uncomplicated and easy to do or understand.

basic (adj.) – forming an essential foundation or starting point; simple.

🌱 Derivatives

complexity (n.) – the state or quality of being intricate or complicated.

complexify (v.) – to make something more complex or complicated.

📖 Cultural Story

The term originates from Latin 'complexus', which literally meant 'an embracing, connection'. It was used to describe things woven or braided together. This physical sense evolved metaphorically into its modern meanings of intricate systems or groups of related buildings, reflecting the idea of many parts connected into a whole.

Meaning 2：a group of related buildings (complex)

complex 🔊

/ˈkɒmpleks/

adj./n.

A complex is a group of buildings or facilities that are located close together and used for a particular purpose.

Aerial view of a modern building complex showing interconnected structures and walkways

a group of related buildings 🔊

➕

/ə ɡruːp əv rɪˈleɪ.tɪd ˈbɪl.dɪŋz/

adj./n.

This meaning refers to a whole made up of interconnected parts, specifically a group of buildings or facilities built together for a common purpose.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The new shopping complex downtown has over a hundred stores, a cinema, and a large food court. 🔊 The new group of shopping buildings downtown has over a hundred stores, a cinema, and a large food court.

🔗 Collocations

shopping complex – a large building or group of buildings containing many different stores

sports complex – a group of sports facilities such as stadiums, courts, and gyms in one area

apartment complex – a group of residential buildings containing multiple apartments

🔄 Synonyms

center (n.) – a place or building where a particular activity or service is concentrated.

facility (n.) – a place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose.

compound (n.) – an area enclosed by a fence or walls, containing a group of buildings.