complicate — to make something more difficult to understand or deal with
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make something more difficult to understand or deal with
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːmplɪkeɪt/
Example Sentences
- My mom tried to help with my homework, but she only complicated things by explaining calculus when I was doing basic math.
- Adding too many apps to your phone will complicate your daily routine.
- He managed to complicate ordering pizza by asking for 15 different toppings on each slice.
complicate
VERB[/ˈkɑːmplɪkeɪt/]
to make something more difficult to understand or deal with
One extra rule from the boss complicates the entire team's simple plan.
The complicated instructions became difficult to follow because several steps depended on one another. (The core idea is making something more difficult by adding or intertwining parts.)
The complicated machine looked sophisticated, so the technician stayed concentrated while repairing it.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin complicare, formed from the combination of com- (together) and plicare (to fold). The literal sense of 'folding together' evolved metaphorically to mean 'to make complex or difficult'.
Breakdown
com- (together) + plicare (to fold) = to fold together, ultimately meaning to make intricate or complex.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom tried to help with my homework, but she only complicated things by explaining calculus when I was doing basic math.”
“Adding too many apps to your phone will complicate your daily routine.”
“He managed to complicate ordering pizza by asking for 15 different toppings on each slice.”
“Don't complicate the meeting by bringing up unrelated topics.”
📚Related Words
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