intricate
UK: /ˈɪn.trɪ.kət/ | US: /ˈɪn.trə.kət/
adj. 1. Having many complexly arranged or interconnected parts; elaborate.
adj. 2. Difficult to understand, analyze, or solve due to complexity.
intricate = in<into> + tric<trick, obstacle> + ate<adjective suffix>
- in: Latin prefix meaning "into" or "within."
- tric: Derived from Latin tricae (plural), meaning "tricks," "perplexities," or "obstacles."
- ate: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "intricate" traces back to Latin intricatus, the past participle of intricare ("to entangle"). This verb combines in- ("into") with tricae ("tricks" or "complications"), metaphorically suggesting something "caught in obstacles." Over time, the term evolved to describe anything with labyrinthine complexity, reflecting its roots in the idea of being ensnared by intricate difficulties.
The artist’s intricate designs amazed everyone at the exhibition.
Solving the puzzle required navigating its intricate rules.
The watch’s intricate mechanism took years to perfect.
Her explanation was so intricate that few could follow it.
The novel’s plot was deliberately intricate to keep readers engaged.