intricately
/ˈɪn.trɪ.kət.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In a complex, detailed, and carefully connected way. Use it when many small parts fit together closely.
- The ring was intricately designed.
- Her explanation was intricately linked to the evidence.
- The pattern was intricately carved into wood.
Adinary Nuance
Intricately means with many small details or connections. It is stronger than simply “carefully” and more specific than “complexly,” which is rare in everyday English. Writers choose it when they want to stress fine detail, skill, or a tangled structure.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- một cách tinh vi
- Spanish
- de forma intrincada
- Chinese
- 错综复杂地
- Japanese
- 複雑に
- Korean
- 복잡하게
Etymology
From intricate, which came into English in the 16th century from Latin intricatus, meaning “entangled” or “complicated.” The adverb form developed later from the adjective.
Common phrases
intricately carvedintricately wovenintricately linkedintricately patterned
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is intricately a common word in everyday English?
- It is common in writing and formal speech, but less common in casual conversation.
- What is the difference between intricately and carefully?
- Carefully means with attention. Intricately means with many small parts or details.
- Can I use intricately with objects and ideas?
- Yes. It can describe physical things, designs, systems, or connected ideas.
- Is intricately used in academic writing?
- Yes. It is useful in academic and IELTS writing when describing complex details.