Intricacies Meaning and Definition
Intricacies
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈtrɪsɪtiːz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A web of complex and intricate relationships, systems, or processes; a intricate or complex situation or problem.
Examples
- The researcher tried to untangle the intricacies of the new software.
- The company struggled to navigate the intricacies of the new market.
Synonyms
- Complexities
- Complications
Antonyms
- Simplicity
- Clarity
Etymology
The word “Intricacies” comes from the Latin “intricatus”, meaning “twisted” or “entangled”, and was first used in the 15th century to describe complex physical or mechanical systems.
Usage Notes
Intricacies can be used to describe a wide range of complex situations, from abstract concepts like social relationships or financial systems to physical structures like machines or buildings.
Cultural References
Intricacies has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown features a intricate plot with many twists and turns.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To untangle the intricacies of something
Related Words or Phrases
- Complexity
- Complication
- Enigma
Collocations
- Intricate web of relationships
- Complexity of the system
Frequency of Use
Intricacies is a relatively formal word, and its usage is typically limited to academic, professional, or literary contexts. According to the Oxford English Corpus, the word is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
- Intricaties
- Intricatix