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

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

On stage, the dance moves were intricate and precise.

From BBC

The intricate tattoos of leopards, a stag, a rooster, and a mythical half-lion and half-eagle creature on the woman's body shed light on an ancient warrior culture.

From BBC

Decades ago, watch repair shops across the country were staffed with technicians who could service almost any mechanical timepiece when its intricate innards — tiny gears, wheels and springs — failed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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