WordGarden.iointricate
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɪntrɪkət/
US
- /ˈɪntrəkət/
Meanings
Adjective
having many fine connected details or parts
complicated and hard to understand or deal with
Beyond the definition
Imagine a spiderweb glistening with dew - delicate, yet full of tiny connected details. That's the feeling of "intricate." It describes something made of many small parts or fine details that fit together in a complicated way. An intricate pattern is not simple decoration; it is built from layer upon layer of detail. You might see intricate carvings on an antique box or an intricate plot in a mystery novel. Think of the tiny gears inside a watch - each piece matters, and together they form a design that takes time to follow.
The word "intricate" describes something that is very complex and detailed, often involving many connected parts. It can be used for things that are carefully made, naturally detailed, or simply hard to follow because so many parts are involved. Think of the delicate veins on a leaf, the swirling patterns in a seashell, or the design of an ancient temple - all of them show many fine details working together.
"Intricate" is not limited to physical objects. It can also describe abstract things like ideas, plans, systems, or relationships. An intricate argument may have many layers. An intricate set of rules may take time to understand. An intricate plot in a story may connect events in ways that are not obvious at first.
Historically, "intricate" comes from the Latin word intricare, meaning "to entangle." This root helps to understand why it's often used to describe things that are interwoven or closely connected. A skilled artisan might create an intricate tapestry, carefully weaving together threads of different colors and textures. A detective might unravel an intricate web of lies to solve a crime.
So, when you encounter something "intricate," think of something with many small, connected details. Sometimes that makes it impressive. Sometimes it makes it difficult. In either case, the word suggests careful detail, complexity, and parts that are closely linked rather than simple or easy to separate.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
The dress had an intricate pattern of tiny blue flowers.
- 2
Mechanism
He opened the old watch and looked at its intricate mechanism.
- 3
Legal details
The lawyer explained the intricate details of the contract.
- 4
Story plot
The novel has an intricate plot, so I had to read some chapters twice.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Connected factors
There is an intricate relationship between sleep, stress, and memory.
- 6
Investigation
The investigation revealed an intricate web of secret payments.
- Phrasea web of
many connected things
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- convoluted
- ornate
- fine-grained
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- intricate design
- intricate pattern
- intricate details
- intricate network
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- intricateverbadjective
Forms
- intricatedpast tenseverbadjective
- intricatesverbadjective
- intricating-ing formverbadjective