Complicate
/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make something complex or difficult.
/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt/
To make something more difficult or complex.
The unexpected changes in the project complicated the timeline.
💡 Simply: To make something trickier or harder to understand. Imagine you're building a LEGO castle. If you add too many pieces, the instructions will become more complicated, right?
👶 For kids: To make something hard to do or understand.
More Examples
The detective's investigation was further complicated by the lack of witnesses.
Don't complicate things; just follow the simple instructions.
How It's Used
"The new regulations will complicate matters for small businesses."
"The evidence presented at the trial significantly complicated the prosecution's case."
To make something harder to involve or connect with.
/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt/
To involve or connect with others to increase involvement or difficulty.
Don't complicate the issue by bringing up unrelated details.
💡 Simply: To add more to a situation, making it more difficult or confusing. Like when you add too many ingredients to a recipe, the flavor can get complicated.
👶 For kids: To make something have more things in it so it is harder to do.
More Examples
The investigation of the crime was complicated when the suspect fled.
The situation will surely complicate if the weather becomes unfavorable.
How It's Used
"Adding a third party to a relationship can complicate the dynamics."
"The merger complicated the company's organizational structure."
Idioms & expressions
complicate matters
To make a situation more difficult or complex.
"The sudden announcement complicated matters for the project team."
From Latin *complicatus*, past participle of *complicare* 'to fold together, intertwine', from *com-* 'together' + *plicare* 'to fold'.
The word 'complicate' has been in use since the 16th century, initially reflecting the act of folding or intertwining something, later extending to the idea of making something complex or difficult.
Memory tip
Think of folding a paper: the more you fold, the more complex it becomes, so the process begins to complicate itself.