Sophisticated: meaning, definitions and examples

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sophisticated

[səˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'sophistēs', meaning a wise person or teacher.
In the 17th century, the term evolved in English to describe someone who is refined and knowledgeable.
It originally had a negative connotation, implying someone who used clever but misleading arguments.

Cultural Impact

In fashion, sophistication often refers to elegant designs and high-quality materials.
Various art movements, such as Modernism, are seen as sophisticated for their complex styles and ideas.
Sophisticated characters in literature often symbolize intelligence and social status.

Psychology

Research suggests that being sophisticated can be associated with higher emotional intelligence and understanding social nuances.
Sophisticated language use can impact perceptions, leading to impressions of credibility and authority.
Certain social behaviors that display sophistication can enhance interpersonal relationships.

Technology

In tech, sophisticated systems often refer to advanced algorithms that can learn and adapt based on data.
The development of sophisticated AI has raised discussions on ethics and the potential consequences for society.
Sophisticated software applications often include user-friendly interfaces that enhance functionality.

Education

Sophisticated thinking skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, are emphasized in higher education.
Curricula aimed at developing sophisticated reasoning tackle complex, real-world issues.
Educational programs often strive to cultivate sophistication in students through discussions and analytical writing.

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

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.

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5034 heretofore
5035 politicians
5036 purity
5037 sophisticated
5038 packing
5039 incentive
5040 retreat
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