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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Intricate: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：very complex (intricate)

intricate 🔊

/ˈɪn.trɪ.kət/

adj.

Describes something with many small, connected parts in a complicated way, like the inside of a watch or a tangled web.

Intricate watch gears close-up showing complex mechanical details

very complex 🔊

➕

/ˈver.i kəmˈpleks/

adj.

Describes something with many small, connected parts in a complicated way, like the inside of a watch or a tangled web.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin intricatus (entangled), from in- (into) + tricae (perplexities).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine 'in a tricky net' – everything is tangled and complex.

📖 Example

The intricate mechanism of a mechanical watch contains hundreds of tiny gears working together perfectly. 🔊 The intricate mechanism of a mechanical watch contains hundreds of tiny gears working together perfectly.

🔗 Collocations

intricate mechanism – A mechanical system with many interlocking parts that function together.

intricate network – A complex system of interconnected elements, such as roads or nerves.

intricate detail – A very small, precise, and often complex element of a design or structure.

🔄 Synonyms

complex (adj.) – Consisting of many different and connected parts; not simple.

complicated (adj.) – Consisting of many interconnecting parts or elements; difficult to understand.

elaborate (adj.) – Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated.

🚫 Antonyms

simple (adj.) – Easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty.

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

basic (adj.) – Forming an essential foundation; simple or low-level.

🌱 Derivatives

intricately (adv.) – In a very complicated or detailed way.

intricateness (n.) – The quality of being intricate; complexity.

intricacy (n.) – The quality of being intricate; a complicated part or detail.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'tricae' meaning 'tricks or obstructions', 'intricate' evolved to describe something entangled and complex. It is commonly used in technical and artistic contexts to emphasize fine detail.

Meaning 2：finely detailed (intricate)

intricate 🔊

/ˈɪn.trɪ.kət/

adj.

Describes patterns, carvings, or work that are very detailed and carefully made with many fine parts.

finely detailed 🔊

➕

/ˈfaɪn.li ˈdiː.teɪld/

adj.

Describes patterns, carvings, or work that are very detailed and carefully made with many fine parts.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She admired the intricate patterns on the traditional silk embroidery, which took months to complete. 🔊 She admired the intricate patterns on the traditional silk embroidery, which took months to complete.

🔗 Collocations

intricate pattern – A design composed of many fine, interwoven shapes and lines.

intricate carving – A sculptural work with many tiny, detailed cuts and shapes.

intricate embroidery – Needlework that features many small, detailed stitches to create elaborate designs.

🔄 Synonyms

delicate (adj.) – Very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship.

ornate (adj.) – Made or decorated in an elaborate, intricate way.

filigree (adj.) – Ornamental work of fine gold or silver wire, often used to describe intricate designs.

🚫 Antonyms

plain (adj.) – Not decorated or elaborate; simple in design.

coarse (adj.) – Rough in texture; lacking fine detail or refinement.

crude (adj.) – Constructed in a rough or simplified way; lacking finesse.

🌱 Derivatives

intricately (adv.) – In a very detailed and carefully arranged manner.

intricacy (n.) – A fine, detailed, and often complex aspect of something.

intricateness (n.) – The state of being filled with fine, interwoven details.