involved
/ɪnˈvɒlvd/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈvɑːlvd/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈvälvd -ˈvȯlvd also -ˈvävd or -ˈvȯvd/ (ame, mw)
involved — adjective
- involvedpositive
- more involvedcomparative
- most involvedsuperlative
1. Having many connected parts or steps that make a system, process, or piece of wr
Having many connected parts or steps that make a system, process, or piece of writing hard to follow or understand.
The instructions for the new phone were so involved that Priya watched a video instead.
involved describes a task or system with many parts
Tax regulations are often too involved for ordinary people to understand alone.
The plot of the film was highly involved, with twists that confused even Kofi.
Dr. Okafor explained the involved process of testing new medicines to the interns.
Leila found the legal documents too involved and asked a lawyer to review them.
- complex
neutral and widely used; 'complex' often suggests interesting depth, while 'involved' can imply unnecessary difficulty
- intricate
suggests delicate, careful design with many small details; slightly more formal
- elaborate
focuses on the large number of steps or parts, sometimes suggesting impressive effort
- simple
having few parts and easy to understand
- straightforward
clear and not complicated
文法句型
a very involved + noun
be/seem/become + involved
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 ('participating'): when 'involved' means 'complicated', it describes the thing itself (a process, system, or text) and usually appears before a noun or after a linking verb. Sense 3 always requires a following 'in' or 'with' phrase naming the activity or group.
常見錯誤
2. Describes a person who shares a deep emotional or romantic bond with someone, of
Describes a person who shares a deep emotional or romantic bond with someone, often including feelings of loyalty and care that go beyond ordinary friendship.
Noa and Tomás have been romantically involved for nearly three years now.
romantically involved — common fixed phrase for couples
The journalist was careful not to become emotionally involved with any of the sources.
emotionally involved with [someone] — adjective + preposition pattern
Hana suspects that her brother is secretly involved with a woman from his office.
When you are deeply involved with someone, their problems begin to feel like your own.
- attached to
softer, less formal; often used for early-stage relationships
- committed to
emphasizes loyalty and long-term intention; more serious
- single
not in a romantic relationship
文法句型
be involved with [someone]
be romantically/emotionally involved
用法筆記
Frequently paired with the adverbs 'romantically' or 'emotionally' to specify the type of bond. The preposition 'with' is almost always required to identify the other person. Avoid using this sense without an object — 'They are involved' is ambiguous without context.
常見錯誤
3. Taking an active share in an event, activity, or situation, or being touched by
Taking an active share in an event, activity, or situation, or being touched by it in a way that affects you — for example, joining a community project, being part of an investigation, or having your life changed by something that happens.
Parents are encouraged to become involved in their children's school activities.
involved in [activity] — pattern for participation
The neighbourhood association wants more residents involved in local decision-making.
involved in [decision-making] — noun pattern
Two charities are involved in providing food for families who lost their homes.
Yusuf got involved with the theatre group during his first year at university.
Several government agencies were involved in the investigation after last month's bridge collapse.
- engaged
suggests willing, focused commitment rather than mere presence
- participating
more neutral and formal; often used for organized events
- active
describes someone who takes initiative, not just attends
- uninvolved
not taking part or not affected
- detached
keeping a distance on purpose, often emotionally
文法句型
be/get involved in [activity/event]
be/get involved with [group/organization]
用法筆記
The most common pattern is 'involved in [activity]' for participation in events, projects, or situations. Use 'involved with' for groups, organizations, or teams. This sense can also describe being affected by something negative, such as an accident or crime, not just active participation.