Complicated
'kɒmplɪkeɪtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsConsisting of many interconnected parts or elements; intricate.
'kɒmplɪkeɪtɪd
Difficult to understand or deal with.
The tax form was very complicated, and I needed help filling it out.
💡 Simply: Think of a puzzle with tons of pieces. It's not a simple one; it's complicated! Like trying to explain to your dog why you can't share your ice cream—complicated!
👶 For kids: When something has many parts and is hard to understand or do.
More Examples
The plot of the novel became increasingly complicated as the story progressed.
The machinery's inner workings are too complicated for the average person to understand.
How It's Used
"The instructions were too complicated for me to follow."
"The algorithm is quite complicated."
"Their relationship became increasingly complicated."
Having many parts combined or involved, often making something harder to understand or do.
'kɒmplɪkeɪtɪd
Having a complex structure or development.
The situation was made even more complicated by unexpected events.
💡 Simply: Imagine a recipe with a ton of ingredients and steps—that's complicated! Or when you're trying to plan a surprise party with many different people involved.
👶 For kids: When something has lots of steps or things to it, and it's not easy.
More Examples
She had a complicated relationship with her parents.
The surgery was described as a complicated operation due to the patient’s condition.
How It's Used
"A complicated medical procedure"
"A person with a complicated past."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *complicatus*, past participle of *complicare* ('to fold together, intertwine'), from *com-* ('with, together') + *plicare* ('to fold').
Used in English since the mid-17th century, originally in the sense of 'folded together'. The meaning broadened over time to encompass intricacy and difficulty.
Memory tip
Imagine a complex maze. It's hard to navigate because it's complicated.
Word Origin
"to fold together, intertwine"