adjective

intricate

/ɪnˈtrɪkət/ · say it: in·TRIK·ut

very complicated or detailed

In Sophisticated Everyday

very detailed and complex

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) having many small parts or details that are connected in a complicated way

2. (adjective) difficult to understand or deal with because of being very complex

Examples

1. The intricate pattern on the carpet had thousands of tiny flowers.
2. The intricate plot of the movie was hard to follow.

How to use intricate

Intricate emphasizes complexity arising from many interconnected parts or layers, often with a visual, structural, or intellectual dimension. It typically conveys admiration or respect for the elaborate nature of something, distinguishing it from merely 'complicated' which can suggest frustrating difficulty. Used in both formal and general contexts to describe designs, systems, plots, relationships, and arguments.

Common phrases

intricate details
intricate pattern
intricate design
intricate plot
intricate network
intricate process

Synonyms

complex · complicated · elaborate · intricate · convoluted

Opposites

simple · straightforward · plain

Word family

intricacy (noun) · intricately (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'intricate' to mean simply 'difficult' without the sense of detailed, interconnected complexity; it specifically refers to elaborate, fine-grained structure rather than general complexity alone.

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