intricate

Definitions

in- (into) + tric (Latin trīcae, 'tangles') + -ate = literally 'tangled up.' From the knot image came today's meaning: made of many small parts woven so closely that following them takes effort — an intricate pattern, an intricate argument.

Why It Means This

Intricate keeps its knot in plain sight. Whether it's lace, a clock's gears, or a legal case, the word says the parts are tangled together — many threads crossing — so the whole repays careful untangling. That is the difference from a mere 'complicated': intricate suggests fineness and craft, not just difficulty.

Common Collocations

• 1.intricate design精细的设计
• 2.intricate pattern复杂的图案
• 3.intricate plot错综的情节
• 4.intricate detail精细的细节

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The temple walls were covered in intricate carvings.

• 2.

  She explained the intricate workings of the engine.

• 3.

  The novel has an intricate plot with many subplots.