Intricately: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing something that is very detailed and complicated, often with many interconnecting parts.

• The artist intricately painted every feather on the bird.
• The plan was intricately woven to include multiple backup solutions.

Appropriate for describing something that is complicated as a whole, involving many parts that are not simple to understand or analyze.

• The machine operates complexly, requiring specialized knowledge to troubleshoot.
• The issue was explained complexly, leaving most people confused.

Suitable for indicating that something is done with a lot of detail and care, often involving excessive decoration or complexity.

• The wedding cake was elaborately decorated with sugar flowers.
• He elaborately explained his theory, leaving no stone unturned.

Best used when describing an action performed with a high level of detail, focusing on every small part.

• She described the event detailedly, covering every minor point.
• The instructions were written detailedly, making them easy to follow.

Use when describing something with a lot of complex and detailed parts that are carefully crafted.

• The artist painted the mural intricately, paying attention to even the smallest details
• The machine was intricately designed to ensure maximum efficiency

Use when describing something with many twists and turns, both literally and figuratively. It often implies a difficult or complex journey.

• The mountain road wound tortuously through the range, making the drive challenging
• The legal case progressed tortuously through the court system, facing numerous setbacks

Use when describing something that is very complicated and difficult to understand, often to the point of being confusing. This often has a negative connotation.

• The instructions were written so convolutedly that nobody could figure out how to assemble the furniture
• His argument was presented convolutedly, making it hard for anyone to follow his logic

Use when describing a path or process that is not direct and takes a longer route than necessary.

• They traveled circuitously through the mountains, avoiding the main highways
• The conversation proceeded circuitously, touching on many unrelated topics before getting to the main point