verb B1 Intermediate Uncommon

complicate

KOMP-lih-kayt

Complicate (verb) means to make something more difficult or intricate than it needs to be. Example: “Adding more clauses only complicated the contract.”

verb

To make something more difficult or intricate than it needs to be.

"Adding more clauses only complicated the contract."

"Please don't complicate things by bringing up the past."

(medicine) Of a condition, to develop alongside and worsen another illness.

"A chest infection complicated her recovery from surgery."

How to use complicate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something harder to understand or deal with by adding extra parts or problems.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the verb "complicate" with the adjective "complicated" — "this will complicate matters" vs "this is complicated."

Easily confused with

complicated →

Common pairings

complicate matters complicate things further complicate

Word forms

more complicate comparative, complicated past tense, complicates singular, most complicate superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Adding more clauses only _____ the contract.

Etymology

From Latin complicatus, "folded together," from com- ("together") + plicare ("to fold") — the same root that gives us "complex" and "plait."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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complex complexify complify confuscate desimplify elaborate jazz make a meal of perplex

Antonyms

decomplexify simplify uncomplicate

Related words

easy bed complex wind technical advanced destroy detailed

Rhymes for complicate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for complicate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “complicate” mean?

The word “complicate” means to make something more difficult or intricate than it needs to be. In plain terms, to make something harder to understand or deal with by adding extra parts or problems.

How do you pronounce “complicate”?

“Complicate” is pronounced KOMP-lih-kayt (/ˈkɑmplɪkeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “complicate” in a sentence?

Here is “complicate” used in a sentence: “Adding more clauses only complicated the contract.”

What is another word for “complicate”?

Words with a similar meaning to “complicate” include complex, complexify, complify, confuscate, desimplify and elaborate.

What is the opposite of “complicate”?

The opposite of “complicate” — its antonyms — are decomplexify, simplify and uncomplicate.

What part of speech is “complicate”?

“Complicate” is a verb.

Where does the word “complicate” come from?

The word “complicate” comes from Latin. From Latin complicatus, "folded together," from com- ("together") + plicare ("to fold") — the same root that gives us "complex" and "plait.".

Is “complicate” a common word?

“Complicate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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