intricate
/ˈɪn.trɪ.kɪt/Having many small, closely connected parts or details that are difficult to understand or follow. Often used to describe patterns, systems, or processes that require close attention.
- The watch contained an intricate system of tiny gears and springs.
- She admired the intricate carvings on the temple walls.
- The lawyer presented an intricate argument that took hours to explain.
Adinary Nuance
Intricate sits close to complex, complicated, and elaborate, but each has a distinct flavour. "Intricate" focuses on fine, carefully woven detail — it often implies precision or even beauty in the arrangement, as in "an intricate pattern" or "an intricate argument." "Complex" simply means many interconnected parts without the visual or crafted connotation ("a complex system"). "Complicated" leans negative — it suggests something is frustratingly hard to deal with ("the situation got complicated"), whereas "intricate" stays neutral or positive. "Elaborate" highlights the effort or planning behind something ("an elaborate ceremony"), while "intricate" highlights the detail of the thing itself. In IELTS and academic writing, choosing "intricate" over "complicated" signals precision and a richer vocabulary.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Phức tạp, tinh vi
- Spanish
- intrincado
- Chinese
- 错综复杂的
- Japanese
- 入り組んだ
- Korean
- 복잡한
Etymology
From Latin "intricatus," the past participle of "intricare" meaning "to entangle" or "to perplex," itself from "tricae" (complications, trifles). The word entered English in the early 17th century, carrying the sense of something tangled or woven together in a fine, detailed way.
Common phrases
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Frequently asked questions
- Is 'intricate' a positive or negative word?
- Mostly positive or neutral. It often carries a sense of admiration for something carefully made or finely detailed. It becomes negative only when the context implies something is too hard to untangle.
- What is the difference between 'intricate' and 'complicated'?
- 'Intricate' suggests fine detail and careful structure, often with a sense of beauty or craftsmanship. 'Complicated' suggests something is difficult or messy to deal with, and often has a negative tone.
- Is 'intricate' formal? Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes, 'intricate' is a formal, academic word and works very well in IELTS essays. It is a stronger and more precise word choice than 'complicated' and signals a good command of vocabulary.
- Can 'intricate' describe a person?
- Rarely. It is almost always used for things — patterns, systems, arguments, designs, or relationships. Saying 'an intricate person' would sound unusual to native speakers.