intricate

Pronunciation: IN-trih-kit

adjective

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of intricate

Extremely detailed or complex in design or structure, often requiring careful analysis or thought to understand fully.

Origin of intricate

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: intricatus

Original meaning: entangled, perplexed

How it evolved: Originally used to describe physical entanglements, the term expanded to include abstract concepts of complexity and detail.

The word 'intricate' comes from Latin, reflecting a sense of 'entangled' or 'involved', evolving to describe anything highly complex or detailed.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember intricate

Think of 'intricate' as 'in-trick-it' — the design or structure is so tricky and detailed that you have to look closely to understand it.

Synonyms for intricate

Antonyms of intricate

intricate in a Sentence

  1. The intricate tapestry depicted a historical scene with remarkable precision, each thread woven with deliberate care.
  2. The scientist marveled at the intricate network of neurons in the human brain, a masterpiece of biological engineering.
  3. Her essay was an intricate exploration of philosophical ideas, weaving together diverse theories into a coherent argument.

intricate in Literature & Culture

The term 'intricate' is often used to describe literary works, such as complex plot structures in Shakespeare's plays or the detailed world-building in J.R.R. Tolkien's novels.

Usage Notes

Intricate is often used to describe physical objects (e.g., designs, patterns) or abstract ideas (e.g., arguments, systems). Be careful not to confuse it with 'intractable,' which means difficult to manage or deal with.

Why intricate Matters for GRE & SAT

Intricate is frequently tested on the GRE to evaluate a student's ability to understand and describe complexity, whether in physical designs or abstract reasoning.

Word Family

intricacy (noun)
The quality of being intricate or detailed.
intricately (adverb)
In a very detailed or complex manner.

Did You Know?

  • Leonardo da Vinci's sketches of flying machines are considered some of the most intricate designs of the Renaissance period.
  • The word 'intricate' is often used to describe the detailed embroidery patterns of traditional Indian and Persian textiles.
  • In modern technology, intricate algorithms are used to power artificial intelligence systems.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with I

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