adj
Uncommon
intricate
IHN-trih-kuht
Intricate (adj) means Made up of many small, finely detailed parts; complex. Example: “The watch had an intricate network of tiny gears inside it.”
adj
1
Made up of many small, finely detailed parts; complex.
"The watch had an intricate network of tiny gears inside it."
"She admired the intricate embroidery on the wedding dress."
How to use intricate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFull of fine, complicated detail — the opposite of simple.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "intrinsic" (built-in/essential) — intricate is about complexity of detail, not inherent nature.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
intricate design
intricate pattern
intricate details
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- intricates
- Past tense
- intricated
- Comparative
- more intricate
- Superlative
- most intricate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The watch had an _____ network of tiny gears inside it.
Etymology
From Latin intrīcātus, "entangled," the past participle of intricāre.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for intricate
See all rhymes for intricate →Frequently asked questions
What does “intricate” mean?
The word “intricate” means made up of many small, finely detailed parts; complex. In plain terms, full of fine, complicated detail — the opposite of simple.
How do you pronounce “intricate”?
“Intricate” is pronounced IHN-trih-kuht (/ˈɪn.tɹɪ.kət/ in IPA).
How do you use “intricate” in a sentence?
Here is “intricate” used in a sentence: “The watch had an intricate network of tiny gears inside it.”
What is the opposite of “intricate”?
The opposite of “intricate” — its antonyms — is extricate.
What part of speech is “intricate”?
“Intricate” is an adjective.
Where does the word “intricate” come from?
The word “intricate” comes from Latin. From Latin intrīcātus, "entangled," the past participle of intricāre.
Is “intricate” a common word?
“Intricate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between intricate and complicated?
Intricate emphasizes fine, delicate detail made up of many small interconnected parts, often with a positive or admiring tone, as in intricate lace or intricate carvings. Complicated more often describes something confusing or hard to follow, sometimes with a negative connotation, such as a complicated process. Intricate can apply to complicated things but adds a sense of craftsmanship or precision.
What kinds of things are usually described as intricate?
Intricate is commonly used for designs, patterns, machinery, plots, and systems made up of many small, finely detailed parts. It suggests that close attention was needed to create or understand each of those parts.
Is intricate a formal word?
Intricate is a standard, neutral word suitable for both everyday and formal writing, such as describing intricate jewelry in casual conversation or an intricate legal argument in a formal document.
