complicated

/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːmplɪkeɪtɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkäm-plə-ˌkā-təd/ (ame, mw)

complicated — adjective

  • complicatedpositive
  • more complicatedcomparative
  • most complicatedsuperlative

1. involving many connected parts, which makes something hard to understand or figu

1.形容詞B1
釋義

involving many connected parts, which makes something hard to understand or figure out — for example, a complicated machine, a complicated rule, or a complicated problem

例句

The new printer's instructions were so complicated that Ravi asked a colleague for help.

so + adjective + that-clause pattern

At first glance, the subway map looked complicated, but Leila learned to use it quickly.

同義詞
  • complex

    more neutral and technical; 'complex' suggests a system whose parts fit together naturally, while 'complicated' often carries frustration

  • intricate

    emphasizes fine detail and careful arrangement; often used admiringly ('an intricate design')

  • involved

    suggests unnecessary or excessive complexity ('an unnecessarily involved process')

  • elaborate

    focuses on having many carefully planned parts, not necessarily hard to understand

反義詞
  • simple

    having few parts that are easy to understand

  • straightforward

    easy to understand because there are no confusing steps

文法句型

a + complicated + noun

be + complicated

get / become + complicated

so + complicated + that-clause

用法筆記

Common with the adverb 'so' in a that-clause to express a strong result: so complicated that...

常見錯誤

❌The problem is very complicate.
✅The problem is very complicated.
💡'Complicate' is a verb; add -d to make the adjective form.
❌It is a complicate machine.
✅It is a complicated machine.
💡The adjective form 'complicated' must be used before nouns, not the verb 'complicate.'
❌This rule is more complicater than that one.
✅This rule is more complicated than that one.
💡Use 'more' + adjective for comparison, never '-er' with multi-syllable adjectives.

2. difficult to understand or deal with because feelings, relationships, or persona

2.形容詞B1
釋義

difficult to understand or deal with because feelings, relationships, or personal situations are involved — for example, a complicated relationship, a complicated person, or a complicated family situation

例句

Diego's relationship with his parents became more complicated after he moved abroad.

Nadia described her feelings as complicated and refused to explain them further.

collocation: describe + as + complicated

同義詞
  • difficult

    broader in meaning; does not specifically suggest emotional complexity

  • messy

    informal; emphasizes confusion and lack of order in a personal situation

  • tricky

    suggests a situation is hard to handle because it requires care and sensitivity

  • delicate

    suggests a situation could easily become worse if not handled carefully

反義詞
  • simple

    involving no hidden emotions or difficult personal factors

  • straightforward

    easy to understand or resolve because feelings are clear

文法句型

be + complicated

become / get + complicated

a + complicated + noun (relationship / person / situation)

用法筆記

This sense often describes relationships, feelings, or people's personalities. It typically appears after linking verbs like 'be,' 'become,' 'grow,' and 'feel.' The person or situation is not necessarily bad, but simply not simple or easy to categorize.

常見錯誤

❌I have a complicate relationship with my brother.
✅I have a complicated relationship with my brother.
💡Same verb/adjective confusion as sense 1.
❌She is complicate.
✅She is complicated.
💡Always use the -ed form for the adjective.