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

Other Word Forms

• intricately adverb
• intricateness noun
• unintricate adjective
• unintricately adverb
• unintricateness noun
• intricacy 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

Both Arsenal and City have been sides that have dominated the ball, playing in an intricate fashion.

From BBC

At a weekly ballet class in Wokingham, dancers glide elegantly through an intricate series of poses, making it look easy despite ranging in age from 50 to over 80.

From BBC

His novels move with kinetic energy, his plots are intricate puzzles shrouded in religious iconography, ancient cryptography and other obscure arcana.

From Los Angeles Times

Swift's greatest gift as a lyricist is the way she weaves her own story into her songs, balancing intricate, specific detail with universal themes of love, hope, heartbreak and betrayal.

From BBC

They feature an intricate bee design on the tails side, representing his love of nature.

From BBC

Related Words

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