Complicated Meaning and Definition
Complicated
Pronunciation
/kəmˈpleɪtɪd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A situation or issue that is difficult to fully understand or simplify because of its complexity or subtlety.
Examples
- The plot of the movie was complicated, but the characters eventually pieced it together.
- The instructions for the new smartphone were complicated and took hours to read.
Synonyms
- Complex
- Difficult
Antonyms
- Simple
- Familiar
Etymology
The word “complicated” comes from the Latin “complicare,” meaning “to fold together,” and has been used in English since the 16th century to describe complex or intricate things.
Usage Notes
Use “complicated” to describe situations or issues that are difficult to understand or simplify, but avoid using it to describe simple or straightforward problems.
Cultural References
“Complicated” has been used in various cultural references, including film and literature, to describe complex characters or situations.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Complicated” is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “complicated web of lies” or “complicated relationships.”
Related Words or Phrases
Other related words or phrases include “complex,” “sophisticated,” and “intricate.”
Collocations
“Complicated” often collocates with words like “issues,” “problems,” “situation,” and “relationships.”
Frequency of Use
“Complicated” is a commonly used word in modern language, often appearing in everyday conversations, news articles, and literary works.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “complicated” include “complicate” (the verb meaning to make something more complex) and “complicite” (a rare or obsolete form).