Intricate
/ˈɪntrɪkət/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Intricate describes things that are made with many small, connected parts or details. These parts often fit together in a complex or detailed way, making the whole thing not simple to understand or make. It is often used for designs, patterns, problems, or plans that need careful attention because they have many details.
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See It in Action
Having many small parts or details connected in a complicated way
- •The artist created an intricate design on the vase.
- •The watch has an intricate system of gears inside.
- •She solved the intricate problem after thinking carefully.
Difficult to understand or follow because of many details
- •The story has an intricate plot with many twists.
- •The instructions were so intricate that I needed help.
- •The lawyer explained the intricate rules of the contract.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "intricate" like "complex" but more about many small pieces working together closely
- ✓Picture a spider’s web with many thin, connected threads making a beautiful but complicated pattern
- ✓It’s like the feeling when you try to solve a puzzle that has many small pieces fitting exactly right
- ✓Sounds like "IN-tri-cut" → imagine cutting inside (intra) many tiny shapes that fit together perfectly
- ✓Remember a detailed lace dress or a watch with many small gears working together inside
- ✓NOT like "simple" (easy and clear), "intricate" means many parts and details that need close attention
- ✓NOT like "messy" (disorganized), "intricate" is carefully planned and connected, even if complicated
- ✓NOT like "big" or "large" — something intricate can be small but very detailed
Try Other Words
- •Complex: having many parts or details (Use when emphasis is on difficulty or many parts, not just small details)
- •Detailed: showing many small parts or facts (Use when focus is on many small parts but not necessarily complicated)
- •Complicated: hard to understand or do (Use when something is difficult because of many parts or rules)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "in-" (in, within) + "tricate" (related to "trick" or "perplex" meaning to confuse or make complex)
- •Etymology: From Latin "intricatus," meaning entangled or involved
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe things twisted or tangled in a complex way
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe detailed designs, patterns, or plans that have many connected parts
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be intricate but still easy to understand? How?
•How do you feel when you see an intricate design or pattern? Does it make you curious or confused?
Fill in the blanks
1.The necklace had an intricate ___ of tiny beads and threads that made it beautiful.
2.Because the instructions were so intricate, I had to ___ carefully to finish the project.
3.The detective worked hard to understand the intricate ___ of the mystery.
4.Unlike simple puzzles, intricate problems require ___ thinking and attention to detail.
5.The artist’s work is known for its intricate ___ that shows great skill.
6.When something is intricate, it usually has many small parts that ___ together perfectly.
7.The watch’s intricate mechanism is hidden inside but controls the ___ time accurately.