noun
intricacies
IN-trih-kuh-seez
Intricacies (noun) means the small, complicated details of something that make it hard to understand or do well. Example: “He spent years learning the intricacies of the tax code.”
noun
1
The small, complicated details of something that make it hard to understand or do well.
"He spent years learning the intricacies of the tax code."
"You do not need to grasp all the intricacies of the engine to drive the car."
2
Elaborate, finely worked detail in a design or object.
"The intricacies of the carving only show up under raking light."
How to use intricacies
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe fiddly little details that make something complicated.
When to use it
Neutral to slightly formal. Almost always used in the plural.
Memory tip
The singular intricacy exists but is rare; in practice this word lives in the phrase the intricacies of.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
intricacies vs complexities
intricacy vs intricateness
Common pairings
the intricacies of
master the intricacies
grasp the intricacies
legal intricacies
technical intricacies
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He spent years learning the _____ of the tax code.
Etymology
From Latin intricare, "to entangle", from tricae, meaning trifles or perplexities.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
basics
fundamentals
Related words
Rhymes for intricacies
See all rhymes for intricacies →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between intricacies and complexities?
Complexities suggest a system with many interacting parts and can feel daunting or messy. Intricacies suggest fine, detailed workings that reward close attention. You untangle complexities but you appreciate intricacies.
Can you use intricacy in the singular?
Yes, but it is uncommon. The singular usually names the quality itself, as in "the intricacy of the design", while the plural names the individual details.
Is intricacies a positive or negative word?
It is broadly neutral and often mildly admiring. Calling something intricate implies skilled, detailed work, whereas calling it complicated implies unnecessary difficulty.
What is the meaning of intricacies?
"intricacies" (noun) means the small, complicated details of something that make it hard to understand or do well.
