complex
/ˈkɒmpleks/ (bre, ipa) · [kəmplˈɛks] /kəmˈpleks/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈɑmplɛks] /ˈkäm-ˌpleks/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkɒm.pleks/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈɑmplɛks] /ˈkɑːm.pleks/ (ame, ipa)
complex — adjective
- complexpositive
- more complexcomparative
- most complexsuperlative
1. not simple to understand, explain, or solve — often because many connected detai
not simple to understand, explain, or solve — often because many connected details or factors are involved.
The computer setup instructions were so complex that Okafor asked a friend for help.
so complex that — result clause pattern
Immigration laws are extremely complex, so many people hire a lawyer to help.
adverb collocation: extremely complex
Sleep and mental health have a complex relationship that researchers do not yet fully understand.
Fixing the city's traffic is a complex task that needs input from many experts.
The plot of that novel is quite complex — several characters' stories overlap.
- complicated
the closest synonym, interchangeable in most everyday contexts
- tricky
informal, suggesting a problem that requires skill to solve
- involved
suggests many interconnected steps or details, often of a process
- simple
easy to understand or do
- straightforward
uncomplicated, clear in structure
用法筆記
Frequently used with intensifying adverbs: 'extremely complex', 'highly complex', 'increasingly complex'. Subject is typically an idea, problem, system, or situation rather than a physical object.
常見錯誤
2. formed from multiple connected pieces that work together as a single unit.
formed from multiple connected pieces that work together as a single unit.
The subway system is a complex network of tunnels and train lines under the city.
collocation: complex network
Human memory involves a complex set of processes that scientists are still working to understand.
collocation: complex set of processes
The Kim family business became a complex organization with many departments worldwide.
A complex carbohydrate like starch takes longer to break down than simple sugar.
- complicated
overlapping in meaning, but 'complicated' puts more stress on the difficulty of understanding rather than the number of parts
- compound
suggests a mixture of separate elements, more technical in scientific writing
- intricate
emphasises small, finely arranged details that are hard to follow
- simple
having few parts, easy to understand or describe
用法筆記
This sense describes physical structure or composition rather than mental difficulty. Compare with the DIFFICULT sense above.
complex — noun
- complexsingular
- complexesplural
1. a large structure with connected sections, or a set of related buildings located
a large structure with connected sections, or a set of related buildings located on a single site and designed for a common purpose.
The university's science complex includes six buildings connected by glass walkways.
collocation: science complex
A sports complex with a pool and tennis courts opened near Hassan's home last month.
collocation: sports complex
The hospital complex covers an entire city block and has its own pharmacy and cafeteria.
The Wang family lived in an apartment complex where the buildings shared a garden.
- development
often used for housing or commercial projects, broader in meaning
- compound
suggests a walled or enclosed group of buildings, often with security
用法筆記
Commonly paired with a preceding noun that describes the type: 'shopping complex', 'apartment complex', 'sports complex', 'industrial complex'. The word itself carries no specific information about the buildings' function.
常見錯誤
2. a strong and often unreasonable feeling of worry or fear about something, usuall
a strong and often unreasonable feeling of worry or fear about something, usually caused by past experiences or by not feeling good enough about yourself.
Hassan has a complex about his height and wears shoes that make him seem taller.
pattern: have a complex about + noun
Many teenagers develop an inferiority complex after being constantly compared with their siblings or classmates.
common compound: inferiority complex
Her complex about public speaking began after she forgot her lines in a school play.
The psychologist explained that an Oedipus complex is a Freudian concept about early childhood.
Years of hearing she was not smart gave Mei-Lin a complex she still fights.
用法筆記
Often found in set phrases: 'inferiority complex', 'superiority complex', 'Oedipus complex'. Outside these fixed compounds, it is typically used with 'about' to name the source of fear ('a complex about flying'), or with 'have'/'give' as the main verb. Distinguish from a simple fear — a complex is deep-seated and affects behaviour without the person fully understanding why.
常見錯誤
3. a connected group or system made up of many interwoven parts that together form
a connected group or system made up of many interwoven parts that together form a single whole.
The human body is a complex of systems that work together to keep us alive.
pattern: complex of + [adjective] systems
The government's economic policy is a complex of tax rules, spending plans, and trade agreements.
The novel's plot is a complex of stories that come together in the final chapter.
The old city is a complex of narrow streets, courtyards, and markets built over centuries.
文法句型
complex of + plural noun
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'of' and a plural noun naming the constituent parts. This sense is more abstract than BUILDING GROUP and more general than MENTAL BURDEN — it can describe any assembled whole. Common in academic and formal writing.