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Complicated: Definition, Usage & Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：complex and intricate (complicated)
complicated
/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd/
adj.
Something that has many connected parts and is therefore difficult to understand or deal with.
complex and intricate
➕
/ˈkɒmpleks ənd ˈɪntrɪkət/
adj.
Describes something with many interconnected components, leading to difficulty in comprehension or management.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'complicare' ('com-' = together + 'plicare' = to fold), meaning folded together.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a COMPLICATED knot—many parts COMPlicatedly LACed together, making it hard to untie.
📖 Example
The instructions for setting up the new router were so complicated that I had to watch a video tutorial.
The setup guide for the new router was excessively complex and intricate, forcing me to seek help from an online video.
🔗 Collocations
complicated process – a procedure with many intricate steps
complicated issue – a problem involving many interrelated factors
complicated mechanism – a device with many interacting parts
🔄 Synonyms
complex (adj.) – consisting of many different and connected parts
intricate (adj.) – very complicated or detailed
convoluted (adj.) – extremely complex and difficult to follow
🚫 Antonyms
simple (adj.) – easily understood or done; not complex
straightforward (adj.) – uncomplicated and easy to understand or do
🌱 Derivatives
complicate (v.) – to make something more difficult or complex
complication (n.) – a factor that makes a situation more complex or difficult
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'complicare' (to fold together). It entered English in the 17th century, initially used literally for entangled objects, later expanding to abstract concepts like relationships and procedures.
Meaning 2：convoluted and intricate (complicated)
complicated
/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd/
adj.
A situation, feeling, or relationship that is hard to understand because it involves many different aspects.
convoluted and intricate
➕
/ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd ənd ˈɪntrɪkət/
adj.
Describes a situation, emotion, or relationship that is challenging to grasp because it encompasses numerous interconnected facets.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The history between the two families is long and complicated, full of misunderstandings.
The shared past of the two families is extensive, convoluted, and intricate, laden with numerous misinterpretations.
🔗 Collocations
complicated relationship – an interpersonal connection with many emotional layers and history
complicated history – a past with many intertwined events and influences
complicated feelings – mixed or conflicting emotions that are hard to unravel
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
uncomplicated (adj.) – simple and without difficulty
clear-cut (adj.) – straightforward and easy to understand
Meaning 3：involved and troublesome (complicated)
complicated
/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd/
adj.
Describing a process, plan, or task that has many steps and is therefore troublesome to carry out.
involved and troublesome
➕
/ɪnˈvɒlvd ənd ˈtrʌb(ə)ls(ə)m/
adj.
Describes a process, plan, or task that contains numerous steps and is consequently burdensome to execute.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The process of applying for a visa has become less complicated thanks to the online system.
The procedure for visa applications has become less involved and troublesome due to the digital platform.
🔗 Collocations
complicated procedure – an official process with many detailed requirements
complicated paperwork – documents that are numerous and difficult to complete
complicated legal case – a lawsuit with many legal intricacies and parties
🔄 Synonyms
elaborate (adj.) – involving many carefully arranged parts; detailed and complicated
involved (adj.) – complicated in structure; with many interconnected parts
troublesome (adj.) – causing difficulty or annoyance
🚫 Antonyms
straightforward (adj.) – uncomplicated and easy to do or understand
simplified (adj.) – made less complex or easier
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