complex
/ˈkɒmpleks/ (bre, ipa) · [kəmplˈɛks] /kəmˈpleks/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈɑmplɛks] /ˈkäm-ˌpleks/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkɒm.pleks/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈɑmplɛks] /ˈkɑːm.pleks/ (ame, ipa)
complex — 形容詞
- complexpositive
- more complexcomparative
- most complexsuperlative
1. not simple to understand, explain, or solve — often because many connected detai
難懂的
有很多不同部分而難以理解或解決的
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.
電腦的設定說明太難懂了，Okafor 只好請朋友幫忙。
so complex that — result clause pattern
Immigration laws are extremely complex, so many people hire a lawyer to help.
移民法規可能極其複雜，這就是為什麼很多人會聘請律師來處理案件。
adverb collocation: extremely complex
Sleep and mental health have a complex relationship that researchers do not yet fully understand.
睡眠與心理健康之間的關係很複雜，研究人員尚未完全了解。
Fixing the city's traffic is a complex task that needs input from many experts.
解決城市的交通問題是一項艱難的任務，需要多位專家提供意見。
The plot of that novel is quite complex — several characters' stories overlap.
那本小說的劇情相當複雜，好幾個角色的故事逐漸交織在一起。
- 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.
複合的
由許多相關部分組成的
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.
新的地鐵系統是一個由隧道和鐵路線交織而成的複合網路，貫穿整座城市。
collocation: complex network
Human memory involves a complex set of processes that scientists are still working to understand.
人類記憶涉及一套複合的過程，科學家仍在努力了解其中的運作方式。
collocation: complex set of processes
The Kim family business became a complex organization with many departments worldwide.
Kim 家的生意從一家小店發展成擁有數十個部門的複合組織。
A complex carbohydrate like starch takes longer to break down than simple sugar.
像澱粉這類複合碳水化合物，身體分解所需的時間比單醣更長。
- 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 — 名詞
- complexsingular
- complexesplural
1. a large structure with connected sections, or a set of related buildings located
建築群
一組互相連接或相關的建築物
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.
這所大學的科學建築群包括六棟透過玻璃走廊相連的大樓。
collocation: science complex
A sports complex with a pool and tennis courts opened near Hassan's home last month.
Hassan 家附近新建了一座運動建築群，附設游泳池和網球場。
collocation: sports complex
The hospital complex covers an entire city block and has its own pharmacy and cafeteria.
這座醫院建築群占據了整整一個街區，裡面有自己的藥局和自助餐廳。
The Wang family lived in an apartment complex where the buildings shared a garden.
Wang 一家住的公寓建築群裡，所有大樓共享一座中央花園。
- 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
情結
因過去經歷或自卑產生的潛意識焦慮
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.
Hassan 對自己的身高有心結，總是穿讓自己看起來高一點的鞋子。
pattern: have a complex about + noun
Many teenagers develop an inferiority complex after being constantly compared with their siblings or classmates.
許多青少年在不斷被拿來和兄弟姊妹或同學比較之後，會產生自卑情結。
common compound: inferiority complex
Her complex about public speaking began after she forgot her lines in a school play.
她對公開演講的心結始於十二歲時在學校話劇中忘詞。
The psychologist explained that an Oedipus complex is a Freudian concept about early childhood.
心理學家解釋說，伊底帕斯情結是佛洛伊德理論中關於早期兒童發展的概念。
Years of hearing she was not smart gave Mei-Lin a complex she still fights.
多年來一直被說不夠聰明，讓 Mei-Lin 產生了至今仍在努力克服的心結。
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
複合體
由相關部分組成的整體
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.
人體是一個由互相連結的系統組成的複合體，這些系統共同維持人的生命。
pattern: complex of + [adjective] systems
The government's economic policy is a complex of tax rules, spending plans, and trade agreements.
政府的經濟政策是由稅務規定、支出計畫和貿易協定構成的複合體。
The novel's plot is a complex of stories that come together in the final chapter.
這本小說的情節是一個由多條故事線交織而成的複合體，在最後一章逐漸收攏。
The old city is a complex of narrow streets, courtyards, and markets built over centuries.
這座古城是由狹窄街道、隱蔽庭院和數百年來逐步建成的小市場所組成的複合體。
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.