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Complex Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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complex

[หˆkษ’m.plษ›ks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Consisting of two or more interconnected parts; complicated or intricate.

Synonyms

complicated, intricate, involved.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complex

This term is used to describe something that consists of many different and connected parts, often in a technical or scientific context.

  • The human brain is a highly complex organ.
  • The engineering project was fascinating but incredibly complex.
complicated

This word is often used to describe something that is difficult to understand or deal with due to its many interconnected elements. It carries a slightly negative connotation when referring to situations that are unnecessarily difficult.

  • Their relationship became very complicated after the incident.
  • Filling out these forms can be quite complicated.
intricate

Use 'intricate' to describe something very detailed and containing many small, interconnected parts, often with a sense of artistry or craftsmanship.

  • The artist created an intricate pattern on the vase.
  • She wore a dress with an intricate lace design.
involved

This word describes something that requires a lot of time, effort, or attention because it includes many detailed steps or parts. It often implies a process that is lengthier or more demanding than normal.

  • The legal case was very involved and lasted several years.
  • Cooking this dish is quite involved, as it requires multiple stages of preparation.

Examples of usage

  • The problem was too complex for me to solve on my own.
  • She presented a complex argument that took hours to unravel.
  • The project involved a complex series of calculations.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A group of related, often repressed ideas and emotions that cause psychic conflict in an individual.

Synonyms

array, cluster, network.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complex

When referring to something that is made up of many interconnected parts, or something that is difficult to understand due to its many components.

  • The human brain is a highly complex organ.
  • The cityโ€™s transportation system is quite complex.
network

Appropriate when discussing a system of interconnected people or things, or when referring to channels of communication, transportation, or computer systems.

  • She has built a strong professional network over the years.
  • The internet is a global network of computers.
cluster

Best used when referring to a small, close group of similar items, objects, or people that are gathered together.

  • A cluster of grapes hung from the vine.
  • The stars formed a beautiful cluster in the night sky.
array

Useful when talking about a large and organized collection of similar items, often in a technical or scientific context.

  • The scientist examined an array of bacterial cultures.
  • She displayed an array of colorful fabrics at the market.

Examples of usage

  • The therapist helped her explore the complex of emotions surrounding her childhood trauma.
  • He was struggling to come to terms with his father complex.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, a 'complex' can refer to a group of proteins that work together in a specific function.
  • In chemistry, a complex is a compound formed from a metal ion and molecules or ions that are bonded to it.
  • The study of complex systems, such as ecosystems or economies, examines how these interconnected parts interact and affect one another.

Psychology

  • The term also refers to an emotional or psychological trait, such as an inferiority complex, which influences how one views oneself.
  • Cognitive complexity is a psychological theory that describes how individuals perceive and understand their social world through various perspectives.
  • In therapy, exploring one's complex feelings can help in understanding behavior and emotional responses.

Literature

  • In literature, complex characters are those with multi-dimensional personalities that evolve throughout the story.
  • Narrative complexity refers to a story that has multiple plots or themes woven together.
  • Great novels often feature complex themes that challenge the readerโ€™s understanding of morality and human experience.

Technology

  • In programming, complex algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to find patterns that are not immediately obvious.
  • Complex systems in technology include networks where the interaction between different components can lead to emergent behaviors.
  • The design of complex software architectures requires understanding the interdependencies of various components.

Origin of 'complex'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'complex' comes from the Latin word 'complexus,' meaning 'to entwine or intertwine.'
  • It originally denoted something made of many interconnected parts.
  • The term saw its first usage in English in the early 19th century, reflecting the growing interest in complex systems and structures.

The word 'complex' originated from the Latin word 'complexus', which means 'surround, encompass'. Over time, it evolved to represent interconnected or intricate concepts. In modern usage, 'complex' is commonly used in various fields such as mathematics, psychology, and sociology to describe intricate or interconnected ideas or systems.

See also: complexify, complexity, complexly, overcomplexity.

Word Frequency Rank

At #910 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.