multifaceted
Americanadjective
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having many facets, as a gem.
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having many aspects or phases.
a multifaceted problem.
adjective
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(of a gem) having many facets
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having many aspects, abilities, etc
Etymology
Origin of multifaceted
First recorded in 1865–70; multi- + faceted ( def. )
Explanation
Multifaceted means having many aspects or sides. Diamonds are usually cut to be multifaceted, that is, with many angled flat surfaces, because this increases their ability to reflect light. Since facet means "aspect," "side," or "face," multifaceted means "many aspects, sides, or faces." This can apply to jewels or other physical objects, like the eyes of a dragonfly, but it can also refer to complicated issues that have lots of contributing factors and generate more than two sides to an argument. A multifaceted person has many abilities, or a personality with many sides to it.
Vocabulary lists containing multifaceted
This Week in Words: August 21 - 25, 2017
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This Week In Culture, September 7–13, 2019
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President Obama's Speech to the Nation about Terrorism
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Our now-expanding family makes the house more crowded and multifaceted than ever.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
The film moves between the two in a sweeping, polyphonic narrative blending performances by professional and amateur actors, portraying a multifaceted Franco-African community refreshingly free from stereotypes.
From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026
He added that he looked forward to working closely to strengthen "our multifaceted relationship".
From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026
Five different times during his tenure, TCU finished No. 1 in the nation in yards allowed, as Big 12 offenses struggled for years to adjust to his multifaceted 4-2-5 scheme.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026
It was a machine like a jade-green insect, a praying mantis, delicately rushing through the cold air, indistinct, countless green diamonds winking over its body, and red jewels that glittered with multifaceted eyes.
From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
