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.
"This is a strategic course of crucial importance as it will make it possible to keep the nuclear force of our state ready for multifaceted and efficient operation," he said.
From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026
But the intent can also be taken as a way of reflecting the multifaceted personality under discussion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
"It's these multifaceted international relationships with big business that we really need to be strengthening far more than we have," he adds.
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026
The issue of high concert prices is multifaceted, and artists and promoters play more of a role than many fans want to believe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2026
Characterizing the similarities is as difficult as nailing down a blob of mercury, because exceptions abound and human behavior is always multifaceted.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
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.
