intricate Hear it!

intricate Definition

in·tri·cate (in′tri kit)

adjective

  1. hard to follow or understand because full of puzzling parts, details, or relationships an intricate problem
  2. full of elaborate detail an intricate filigree

Etymology: L intricatus, pp. of intricare, to entangle, perplex, embarrass < in-, in + tricae, vexations: see trick

intricate Related Forms

in′·tri·cately adverb in′·tri·cate·ness noun

intricate Synonyms

intricate

modif.

involved, elaborate, tricky, tangled; see complex 2, difficult 1, 2, obscure 1. See syn. study at complex.

intricate Usage Examples

Infinitive complement

produce: DAB radio is much more intricate to produce and receive.

Modifies a noun

  • carving: These magnificent and intricate carvings depict many of the Bible stories and scenes from the life of Christ.
  • maze: The plot leads the viewer through the intricate maze of the circumstances that lead to a major food poisoning outbreak.
  • embroidery: Its non-slip top is decorated with intricate floral lace embroidery.
  • interplay: Mark has led projects and change management initiatives involving the intricate interplay of process, people and systems.
  • mosaic: They capture sunshine like lanterns composed of the most intricate glass mosaic.
  • valance: A rectangular flat-roofed canopy extended from the building, over the platform, and demonstrated an intricate pointed valance ( see Plumstead ).

Modifying Another Word

  • amazingly: The amazingly intricate unity seems to arise from nowhere.
  • incredibly: Yet, incredibly intricate work was turned out, even darning and hem stitching was of a very high standard.
  • beautifully: Jenny makes these beautifully intricate wall panels out of clay.
  • extremely: In fact, an extremely intricate CGI model of the Gemini 12 was built by Paul McGuinness in Alias Sketch.
  • fairly: Dr. Rubinstein takes the viewer through a range of coin sleights from basic palms to fairly intricate changes.
  • highly: The signs range from the very simple to the highly intricate.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: The natural progression was for them to become intricate.
  • grow: I was expected to participate, to contribute, to comment, to help in the development of stories which grow ever more intricate.
  • sound: He's evolved for this EP and the flow patterns sound more intricate than ever.
  • look: This all looks somewhat intricate, best to keep ViewProducers in app scope for now.
  • see: Built on the foundations of an Inca city, you can still see intricate Inca masonry and buildings as you walk through the town.
  • have: The broken shaft shown on the right has intricate carved knotwork.