Sophisticated: meaning, definitions and examples

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sophisticated

 

[ səˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

style

Having, revealing, or involving a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture.

Synonyms

elegant, refined, stylish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sophisticated

Used to describe someone or something that is highly developed, complex and having a lot of knowledge or experience, especially about the arts and culture.

  • The software used a sophisticated algorithm to predict market trends.
  • She had a very sophisticated taste in music.
elegant

Used to describe something or someone that is graceful, tasteful, and possesses a simple yet stylish beauty.

  • The bride wore an elegant white gown.
  • The restaurant had an elegant atmosphere with candle-lit tables.
stylish

Used to describe something or someone that is fashionable, trendy, and up-to-date with the latest styles.

  • She always dresses in a very stylish manner.
  • The new boutique offers a range of stylish clothing.
refined

Used to indicate someone or something that is cultured, well-mannered, and polished, improving upon raw or less sophisticated qualities.

  • His manners were very refined, a testament to his upbringing.
  • The design of the new watch is sleek and refined, showing great attention to detail.

Examples of usage

  • She was always dressed in sophisticated clothes.
  • The hotel had a sophisticated atmosphere.
Context #2 | Adjective

technology

Highly developed and complex.

Synonyms

advanced, complex, cutting-edge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sophisticated

Use this word to describe something that is highly refined, elegant, or intricate. It often implies a level of worldly experience or knowledge.

  • Her taste in music is very sophisticated
  • The software has a sophisticated user interface
advanced

This word is generally used when referring to a higher level of development or progress. It is often applied to technology, skills, or knowledge.

  • He took an advanced mathematics course
  • They are using advanced techniques in their research
complex

Best used to describe something that consists of many interconnected parts or is hard to understand. This word does not carry an inherently positive or negative connotation.

  • The human brain is a very complex organ
  • The situation is more complex than we initially thought
cutting-edge

This term is used to describe something that is at the forefront of innovation or technology, representing the latest and most advanced stage of development.

  • The company is known for its cutting-edge technology
  • They are using cutting-edge techniques to solve the problem

Examples of usage

  • The new smartphone features sophisticated technology.
  • The software uses sophisticated algorithms.
Context #3 | Verb

manipulation

To alter or make complex (as a process) by introducing variations or refinements.

Synonyms

enhance, improve, refine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sophisticated

Use this word to describe someone or something that is very advanced, cultured, or complex. It often has a positive connotation, implying elegance and refinement.

  • The sophisticated design of the new smartphone impressed everyone.
  • She is a sophisticated woman with a taste for fine art.
refine

This word is used when talking about making subtle or delicate improvements. It usually indicates a process of making minor changes to achieve a better result.

  • We need to refine our marketing strategy.
  • The artist will refine the sculpture before it is displayed.
improve

Use this word when you want to talk about making something better overall. It is a general term with a positive connotation.

  • She worked hard to improve her skills.
  • Regular exercise can improve your health.
enhance

This is suitable when you want to talk about making something better, more effective, or more attractive. The focus is on adding to the existing qualities.

  • The new software will enhance our productivity.
  • Adding a touch of vanilla can enhance the flavor of the dish.

Examples of usage

  • They sophisticated the design to improve performance.
  • The recipe was sophisticated over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "sophisticated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sofisticado

🇮🇳 परिष्कृत

🇩🇪 raffiniert

🇮🇩 canggih

🇺🇦 витончений

🇵🇱 wyrafinowany

🇯🇵 洗練された

🇫🇷 sophistiqué

🇪🇸 sofisticado

🇹🇷 sofistike

🇰🇷 세련된

🇸🇦 متطور

🇨🇿 sofistikovaný

🇸🇰 sofistikovaný

🇨🇳 复杂的

🇸🇮 sofisticiran

🇮🇸 íburðarmikill

🇰🇿 жетілдірілген

🇬🇪 გაწაფული

🇦🇿 zərif

🇲🇽 sofisticado

Etymology

The word 'sophisticated' originated from the Latin word 'sophisticatus', which means adulterated or corrupt. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to someone who is knowledgeable, refined, or complex. In English, the word gained popularity in the 17th century and has since been used to describe elegance, complexity, and refinement.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,037 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.