complicate

UK: /ˈkɒm.plɪ.keɪt/ | US: /ˈkɑːm.plɪ.keɪt/

Definition

  1. vt. to make something more difficult or complex

  2. adj. consisting of interconnected parts; intricate

Structure
com <together>plic <fold>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "complicate" traces back to Latin complicare, combining com- (together) and plicare (to fold). The literal sense of "folding together" evolved metaphorically to mean "entangle" or "make complex." The suffix -ate marks it as a verb. This reflects how physical folding (e.g., origami) parallels abstract complexity.

Examples

  1. Adding too many rules will complicate the process.

  2. The instructions were deliberately complicated to confuse competitors.

  3. Her feelings for him grew more complicated over time.

  4. Avoid complicating the issue with unnecessary details.

  5. The machine’s design is highly complicated.