Definition of Intricate
Quick Meaning of Intricate
Complex with many small, connected details that are hard to understand.
Detailed Definition of Intricate
Very complicated or detailed; having many interconnected parts.
How to Pronounce Intricate
Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).
Tip: First syllable is stressed: IN-tri-kit. The middle vowel is a schwa /ə/.
Watch out: IN-trik-ayt (adding extra syllable) or in-TRICK-it (wrong stress).
Origin and Etymology of Intricate
From Latin intricatus, meaning entangled or complicated.
How to Use Intricate in a Sentence
Each example shows “intricate” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The intricate design of the carpet took months to complete.”
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“Understanding intricate machinery requires a lot of training.”
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“She explained the intricate details of the plan to the team.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Intricate
Common Synonyms for Intricate
Smart Synonyms for Intricate — When to Use Each
- complex
- general situations with many interacting parts
- detailed
- when emphasizing fine attention to small elements
- elaborate
- formal or artistic contexts with rich ornamentation
Antonyms of Intricate
Common Collocations with Intricate
These phrases pair with “intricate” in everyday English:
- intricate pattern
- intricate details
- intricate design
- intricate network
Common Mistakes When Using Intricate
Even fluent speakers slip up with “intricate”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: This is an intricate process, so we must be intimately careful.
- ✓ Correct: This is an intricate process, so we must be very careful.
- Why: Intricate ≠ intimate. Use 'very' instead of 'intimately'.
- ✗ Wrong: The intricacy were impressive.
- ✓ Correct: The intricacy was impressive.
- Why: Intricacy is singular noun; use 'was' not 'were'.
Words Confused With Intricate
- Intricate vs Intimate: Different meaning: close/personal. Sounds similar but different pronunciation.
Other Forms of Intricate
- Noun: intricacy
- Adjective: intricate
- Adverb: intricately
Frequently Asked Questions About Intricate
What is the meaning of "Intricate"?
Complex with many small, connected details that are hard to understand.
How do you pronounce "Intricate"?
The IPA is /ˈɪn.trɪ.kət/. First syllable is stressed: IN-tri-kit. The middle vowel is a schwa /ə/.
What part of speech is "Intricate"?
"Intricate" is an adjective at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Intricate"?
Common synonyms include complex, complicated, detailed.
How do you use "Intricate" in a sentence?
For example: "The intricate design of the carpet took months to complete."