intricate

/ˈɪntrɪkət/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈɪntrəkət] /ˈɪntrɪkət/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈɪntrəkət] /ˈin-tri-kət How to pronounce intricate (audio)/ (ame, mw)

intricate — adjective

  • intricatepositive
  • more intricatecomparative
  • most intricatesuperlative

1. Made of many fine parts, lines, or shapes that connect in a carefully complex pa

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Made of many fine parts, lines, or shapes that connect in a carefully complex pattern, often showing a high level of detail or skill.

例句

The jeweller showed Cyrus an intricate silver bracelet shaped like tiny leaves.

collocation: intricate bracelet

Tanvi admired the intricate carving around the old temple door in Jaipur.

collocation: intricate carving

同義詞
  • elaborate

    Often suggests extra decoration or richer ornament; 'intricate' stresses tightly connected detail.

  • ornate

    Usually focuses on decoration and beauty; 'intricate' can describe structure as well.

  • detailed

    Broader and more neutral; 'intricate' more strongly suggests complexity in the parts.

反義詞
  • plain

    Without decorative or complex detail.

  • simple

    Made with few parts or little patterning.

用法筆記

Usually describes visible objects such as designs, carvings, patterns, or structures. It suggests many small connected details and often implies careful workmanship.

常見錯誤

❌The room is intricate because it is spacious.
✅The room is intricate because the ceiling is covered with fine painted patterns.
💡'intricate' describes detailed design, not large size.

2. Containing so many linked details, steps, or relationships that it takes effort

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Containing so many linked details, steps, or relationships that it takes effort to understand, explain, or sort out clearly.

例句

The contract was so intricate that Amani asked a lawyer to explain it.

pattern: so intricate that...

Students struggled to follow the intricate rules of the school debate tournament.

collocation: intricate rules

同義詞
  • complex

    The broadest choice for something with many connected parts; 'intricate' often adds a sense of tightly woven detail.

  • complicated

    More strongly emphasises difficulty or confusion; 'intricate' can sound more precise or structured.

  • convoluted

    Usually suggests needless twisting or over-complexity; 'intricate' is more neutral.

反義詞
  • clear

    Easy to understand without extra effort.

  • straightforward

    Simple to follow because the steps or logic are direct.

用法筆記

Often used with systems, arguments, rules, or explanations. Unlike sense 1, the focus here is mental difficulty: the details are hard to follow or analyse.

常見錯誤

❌Her instructions were intricate, so everyone understood them quickly.
✅Her instructions were clear, so everyone understood them quickly.
💡if something is intricate, its many details usually make it harder, not easier, to follow.