complicate

/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈɑmpləkˌet] /ˈkɑːmplɪkeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈɑmpləkˌet] /ˈkäm-plə-ˌkāt/ (ame, mw)

complicate — verb

  • complicatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • complicateshe / she / it
  • complicatedpast simple
  • complicating-ing form

1. to add problems or extra detail so that a task, plan, or situation becomes harde

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to add problems or extra detail so that a task, plan, or situation becomes harder to carry out or follow.

例句

A sudden power cut complicated the train schedule across the city.

complicate + noun phrase

The travel plan was complicated by new airport rules at the border.

passive: be complicated by + noun phrase

同義詞
  • confuse

    focuses more on making something hard to understand than hard to manage

  • worsen

    focuses on a bad result, not specifically on added complexity

  • entangle

    suggests getting caught in a messy or difficult situation

反義詞
  • simplify

    to remove difficulty or extra steps

  • clarify

    to make something easier to understand

文法句型

complicate + noun phrase

be complicated by + noun phrase

complicate matters

用法筆記

Object is usually a task, plan, situation, or system. Often used when a new problem is added to something that was already difficult.

常見錯誤

❌The new rules complicate for everyone.
✅The new rules complicate things for everyone.
💡complicate normally needs a direct object in this sense.

2. of a disease or medical problem, to make another illness, injury, or treatment m

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

of a disease or medical problem, to make another illness, injury, or treatment more serious.

例句

A lung infection complicated Hassan's recovery after the bus crash.

complicate + recovery

Doctors said diabetes could complicate the wound if it stayed infected.

同義詞
  • aggravate

    formal medical verb for making a condition worse

  • worsen

    broader everyday word that does not imply added medical complexity

  • inflame

    used when swelling or irritation becomes stronger, not for every illness

反義詞
  • relieve

    to reduce the seriousness of a symptom or condition

  • improve

    to become or make better in health

文法句型

complicate + illness/injury

be complicated by + condition

用法筆記

Used mainly in medical contexts. The subject is often an infection, symptom, or condition that makes recovery or treatment more difficult.

常見錯誤

❌The infection complicated with the fever.
✅The infection complicated the fever.
💡this medical sense takes the illness or condition directly as its object.

complicate — adjective