adj

complex

KOMP-lehks

adj

Made up of many interconnected parts; not simple.

"The negotiations involved a complex web of political interests."

"The human brain is an extremely complex organ."

noun

A group of connected buildings or facilities.

"The new sports complex includes a pool, gym, and running track."

A group of related, often unconscious, emotional issues that affect someone's behavior.

"He developed an inferiority complex after years of harsh criticism."

How to Use Complex

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishComplicated and made of many connected parts, or (as a noun) a set of buildings or a set of emotional hang-ups.

Common pairings

complex system apartment complex inferiority complex

Word Forms

more complex comparative, complexer comparative, complexed past tense, complexes plural, complices plural, complexes singular, most complex superlative, complexest superlative

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The negotiations involved a _____ web of political interests.

Etymology

From Latin complexus, past participle of complector, "to entwine or encircle," from com- ("together") plus plectere ("to weave" or "braid").

Synonyms

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complexed complicate complicated convoluted Gordian involute intricate involutional knotty involved labyrinthal labyrinthine

Antonyms

incomplex noncomplex noncomplicated simple simplex straightforward uncomplexed uncomplex

Related Words

learned simple convoluted subtle confuse honest foolish stupid

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