Reading Theme:
Understanding Complexity: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：intricate nature (complexity)
complexity
/kəmˈpleksəti/
n.
The state of having many parts and being difficult to understand or deal with.
intricate nature
➕
/ɪnˈtrɪkət ˈneɪtʃər/
n.
The quality or state of being composed of many interconnected parts, making something difficult to analyze, understand, or explain.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'complexus' (entwined, embraced) + '-ity' (state, quality).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: com-PLEX-ity. 'Plex' sounds like 'perplex' (to confuse). Complexity can perplex you.
📖 Example
The complexity of modern smartphone design lies not just in its hardware, but in how seamlessly the software integrates with it.
The intricate nature of modern smartphone design lies not just in its hardware, but in how seamlessly the software integrates with it.
🔗 Collocations
sheer complexity – used to emphasize how extremely complex something is
level of complexity – the degree to which something is complex
complexity theory – a field of study focusing on complex systems in various disciplines
🔄 Synonyms
intricacy (n.) – the quality of having many complexly arranged parts; detailed complexity
complicatedness (n.) – the state of being difficult to analyze or understand
sophistication (n.) – complexity, especially as a result of advanced development or refinement
🚫 Antonyms
simplicity (n.) – the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do
🌱 Derivatives
complex (adj.) – consisting of many connected parts; complicated
complicate (v.) – to make something more intricate or difficult
📖 Cultural Story
In tech and philosophy, 'complexity' distinguishes systems where components interact in non-simple ways, making outcomes hard to predict, versus merely 'complicated' systems.
Meaning 2：complicated factors (complexity)
complexity
/kəmˈpleksəti/
n.
Something that is complex; a complicated thing or situation.
complicated factors
➕
/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd ˈfæktəz/
n.
An aspect or factor that is complex and contributes to a complicated situation; often used in the plural 'complexities'.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The novel explores the complexities of family relationships across three generations, showing that love and conflict often exist side by side.
The novel explores the complicated factors of family relationships across three generations, showing that love and conflict often exist side by side.
🔗 Collocations
navigate the complexities – to find a way to deal with complicated issues
understand the complexities – to comprehend the complicated aspects of something
legal complexities – complicated aspects of the law
🔄 Synonyms
complication (n.) – a factor that makes a situation more intricate or difficult
intricacy (n.) – a complex detail or feature
🚫 Antonyms
simplicity (n.) – an uncomplicated aspect
Wordbook
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