1. Meaning of the Word:
“Intricate” describes something that is very detailed, complex, or complicated, often involving many parts or elements that are difficult to understand or follow.
2. Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Intricate (adjective):
- Very detailed, complicated, or complex, especially with many interconnected parts.
- Something that is difficult to analyze or understand due to its complexity.
- Involving fine craftsmanship or skill in its design or creation.
3. History and Origin:
The word “intricate” comes from the Latin word intricatus, meaning “entangled” or “woven together.” It was used in English starting in the early 17th century to describe things that were complex or difficult to untangle, whether literally or figuratively. Over time, the meaning expanded to include anything detailed or complicated in structure.
4. Detailed Explanation:
“Intricate” is used to describe something that has a complicated structure or design, often with many interconnected parts. This could apply to physical objects, like an intricate pattern on a fabric, or to abstract concepts, such as intricate plots in a story or intricate problems in mathematics. The term suggests a high degree of detail or complexity, making the subject difficult to understand, recreate, or explain.
It can also imply that a great deal of skill or effort is involved in creating or understanding something intricate, highlighting its delicate or elaborate nature.
5. Example Sentences:
- The intricate design of the clock made it a masterpiece of engineering.
- The artist spent hours on the intricate details of the painting, making each stroke count.
- The problem became increasingly intricate as we dug deeper into the data.
- She wore a necklace with an intricate pattern of gold and diamonds.
- The maze was so intricate that it took us hours to find our way out.
- The novel’s intricate plot had many twists and turns that kept readers guessing.
- He solved the intricate puzzle faster than anyone expected.
- The intricate architecture of the old cathedral was a sight to behold.
- The watchmaker is known for his intricate craftsmanship, creating tiny gears with precision.
6. Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Complex – Describes something made up of many interconnected parts, similar to “intricate” in structure.
- Complicated – Something that is difficult to understand or deal with because it involves many details or steps.
- Elaborate – Something that is highly detailed or developed, often in a way that requires careful thought or design.
- Sophisticated – Highly developed or complex, often suggesting an advanced level of detail or design.
- Convoluted – Describing something that is very complex or complicated, often in a confusing or tangled way.
7. Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Detailed – Referring to something with many small parts or elements, closely related to the concept of being intricate.
- Exquisite – Something that is finely detailed and crafted, often with intricate workmanship.
- Ornate – Highly detailed and decorated, often used to describe intricate patterns or designs.
- Tangled – Describing something that is twisted or complicated, like an intricate mess of cords or threads.
- Refined – Something that has been made more complex or sophisticated through careful development, related to intricate design.
8. More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Intricacy – The quality of being intricate, often used to refer to the level of complexity or detail.
- Maze – A complex network of paths or passages, often described as intricate due to its complexity.
- Labyrinth – A complicated and intricate structure, often used to refer to a confusing or complex system.
- Knots – Refers to tangled or complicated situations, similar to intricate problems that require untangling.
- Pattern – A repeated design, which can be intricate due to its complexity and the detail involved.
9. Antonyms:
- Simple – Easy to understand or do; the opposite of intricate.
- Straightforward – Clear and easy to follow, without complexity or confusion.
- Plain – Lacking intricate detail or decoration, simple and unadorned.
- Basic – Not complicated or detailed, opposite of intricate in structure.
- Uncomplicated – Easy to understand or deal with, in contrast to something intricate or complex.
