intricate

[ in-tri-kit ]

adjective

1. having many interrelated parts or facets; entangled or involved:

   an intricate maze.

   Synonyms: labyrinthine, tangled, knotty

2. complex; complicated; hard to understand, work, or make:

   an intricate machine.

intricate

/ ˈɪntrɪkɪt /

adjective

1. difficult to understand; obscure; complex; puzzling
2. entangled or involved

   intricate patterns

Derived Forms

• ˈintricacy, noun
• ˈintricately, adverb

Other Words From

• intri·cate·ly adverb
• intri·cate·ness noun
• un·intri·cate adjective
• un·intri·cate·ly adverb
• un·intri·cate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intricate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin intrīcātus “entangled,” past participle of intrīcāre “to entangle,” from in- in- ² + trīc(ae) “perplexities” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of intricate¹

C15: from Latin intrīcāre to entangle, perplex, from in- ² + trīcae trifles, perplexities

Example Sentences

Trump mostly ignored the intricate conspiracy-tracing in favor of sweeping claims about hordes of criminals and mental patients being shipped to the U.S., and delusional narratives about "the late, great Hannibal Lecter."

From Salon

Perhaps most importantly, Schmidt, who sculpted Ireland's intricate patterns between 2013 and 2019, is in the stands.

From BBC

When I met Bal years ago in his studio, his characteristic flamboyance was evident in dazzling neon coloured silks embellished with intricate embroidery; sleek blouses and skirts along with taffeta skirts and netted blouses, in bright, warm and cool colours.

From BBC

“The breadth of vector research has something for everyone whether you are an entomologist that likes bugs, taxonomy and systematics, ecology, disease epidemiology, protein biochemistry and bioinformatics, genomics or field studies. The more we learn about hemophages, the more we realize how intricate they are. You must admire them for their complexity. Even if they turn out to be living nightmares.”

From Salon

In 2022, the team returned with a drone equipped with a lidar sensor, which helped peel back the surfaces to unveil walls, guard towers, intricate architectural features and other fortifications in Tugunbulak.

From BBC

Related Words

• baroque
• complex
• convoluted
• difficult
• labyrinthine
• sophisticated
• tangled
• tortuous
• tricky