intricate
Having many complex, interrelated parts or details; complicated
Examples
In a meeting
“The approval process involves intricate dependencies between multiple departments.”
Over coffee
“The plot of that movie was so intricate that I had to watch it twice.”
Why this word
complex
intricate emphasizes elaborate detail and interconnected parts requiring careful attention, while complex simply means having many components
complicated
intricate suggests delicate, detailed elaboration with fine workmanship, while complicated focuses on difficulty in understanding
detailed
intricate implies complexity arising from many interrelated fine details, while detailed simply means having many specifics
Usage tip
Use when complexity comes from many interconnected details rather than just difficulty. Emphasizes elaborate design or structure.
Etymology
Latin 'intricare' (in- 'into' + tricae 'tricks, perplexities')
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Related words
granular
Characterized by a high level of detail
intractable
Difficult or impossible to manage, resolve, or control
elaborate
To add more detail or explanation to something already stated.
unwieldy
Difficult to handle, move, or manage due to size, shape, or complexity
nuanced
Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
convoluted
Extremely complex and difficult to follow