Intricately Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intricately

[ˈɪn.trɪ.kət.li ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

adverb describing a manner

in a very complicated or detailed manner; with many complex interconnected parts

Synonyms

complexly, detailedly, elaborately.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intricately

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.
complexly

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.
elaborately

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.
detailedly

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.

Examples of usage

  • The design of the necklace was intricately woven with tiny beads.
  • She painted the mural intricately, paying attention to every small detail.
Context #2 | Adverb

adverb describing a manner

with many twists and turns; in a complex and winding way

Synonyms

circuitously, convolutedly, tortuously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intricately

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
tortuously

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
convolutedly

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
circuitously

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

Examples of usage

  • The path through the forest led intricately through the trees and bushes.
  • The plot of the novel was intricately crafted, keeping the reader engaged.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Artists often create intricately designed patterns that draw viewers in and create a sense of wonder.
  • In textile arts, some cultures are known for their intricately woven fabrics that tell stories through their patterns.
  • Architecture can also be intricately detailed, where every element is carefully designed to contribute to the overall beauty.

Culture

  • Many cultural traditions include intricately designed crafts, such as lace-making in Belgium or traditional batik in Indonesia.
  • In music, some compositions are intricately layered, where multiple melodies intertwine to create rich soundscapes.
  • Storytelling can be intricate, weaving together multiple plot lines and character backgrounds for depth.

Science

  • Nature showcases intricately designed systems, like the complex interactions within an ecosystem or the structure of a snowflake.
  • Biologically, the human brain is intricately connected, with millions of neurons interacting to process thoughts and emotions.
  • Medical technology often relies on intricately designed instruments that require precision in their operation.

Literature

  • Many novels feature intricately woven plots, with each chapter adding layers to the story's complexity.
  • Poets might use intricate rhymes and meters to create rhythm, enhancing the poem's emotional impact.
  • Character development in intricate narratives can reveal deep and multifaceted personalities, pulling readers into the story.

Origin of 'intricately'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'intricate,' which has roots in Latin where 'intricatus' means 'entangled' or 'complex.'
  • It first appeared in English around the early 17th century, describing things that have many small parts.
  • Adding '-ly' makes it an adverb, turning a descriptive word into one that tells how something is done.

The word 'intricately' is derived from the adjective 'intricate,' which comes from the Latin word 'intricatus,' meaning entangled or intricate. The use of 'intricately' dates back to the 16th century, where it was used to describe complex and detailed actions or designs.


See also: intricacy, intricateness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,022, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.