Complicate: meaning, definitions and examples

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complicate

 

[ ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt ]

Verb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'complicate' originated from the Latin word 'complicare', which means 'to fold together'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent the act of making something more intricate or difficult. The use of 'complicate' in English dates back to the 17th century, where it was used to describe the process of adding complexity to a situation or concept.

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.