Complicate: meaning, definitions and examples

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complicate

 

[ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

making something more complex

To make something more difficult or confusing by adding more parts or details. To make a process or situation more involved or intricate.

Synonyms

complexify, convolute, muddle.

Examples of usage

  • He tends to complicate things by overthinking.
  • Don't complicate matters by bringing up irrelevant details.
  • The new regulations will only complicate the process further.
Context #2 | Verb

increase difficulty

To make something harder to understand or deal with. To add complexity to a situation.

Synonyms

confound, obfuscate, perplex.

Examples of usage

  • His evasive answers only complicate the issue.
  • Her sudden change of plans complicated our schedule.
  • The unexpected twist in the plot complicated the storyline.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'complicare', which means 'to fold together', indicating how things can become tangled.
  • It entered English in the late 15th century, originally used to describe physical situations like folded objects, then later applied to abstract concepts.

Psychology

  • Complicated situations can lead to cognitive overload, where too much information makes decision-making difficult.
  • Studies show that complexity in tasks can affect motivation; simpler tasks often lead to higher engagement.

Pop Culture

  • The complexities of human relationships are often explored in songs, books, and movies, illustrating how emotions can complicate life.
  • Reality TV shows often depict complicated situations that lead to dramatic outcomes, highlighting how conflict can arise from misunderstandings.

Science

  • In biology, systems often involve complicated interactions between organisms, making ecosystems difficult to predict.
  • Complicated mathematical formulas are often used in physics to explain complex phenomena, showing how intricately linked scientific concepts can be.

Literature

  • Classic novels often introduce complicated plots with multiple characters' perspectives, challenging readers to understand various motivations.
  • Modern literature frequently embraces complexity in storytelling, with non-linear narratives that reflect the messiness of real life.

Translations

Translations of the word "complicate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 complicar

🇮🇳 जटिल करना

🇩🇪 komplizieren

🇮🇩 memperumit

🇺🇦 ускладнювати

🇵🇱 komplikować

🇯🇵 複雑にする (fukuzatsu ni suru)

🇫🇷 compliquer

🇪🇸 complicar

🇹🇷 karmaşık hale getirmek

🇰🇷 복잡하게 만들다 (bokjaphage mandeulda)

🇸🇦 يعقد (yu'aqqid)

🇨🇿 komplikovat

🇸🇰 skomplikovať

🇨🇳 复杂化 (fùzá huà)

🇸🇮 zapletati

🇮🇸 flækja

🇰🇿 күрделендіру

🇬🇪 გართულება (gartuleba)

🇦🇿 mürəkkəbləşdirmək

🇲🇽 complicar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,711, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.