Multi-faceted
/ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Multi-faceted describes something that has many different aspects or parts. It can be used for objects, ideas, or people who have several qualities or roles at the same time. This word shows that the subject is not simple but made up of many pieces.
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See It in Action
Having many different parts or features
- •The problem is multi-faceted and needs many solutions.
- •This project is multi-faceted, involving design, marketing, and finance.
- •The multi-faceted nature of the issue makes it hard to solve.
Describing a person with many skills or qualities
- •She is a multi-faceted artist who paints, sings, and writes.
- •He has a multi-faceted personality, being both serious and funny.
- •A multi-faceted leader can handle many different challenges.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "multi-faceted" like "many-sided," but more formal and used for complex things or people
- ✓Picture a diamond with many flat surfaces (facets) that shine differently when light hits them
- ✓It's the feeling of meeting a person who is good at many things, not just one skill
- ✓Sounds like "multi-FASS-it-ed" → imagine a face (sounds like "fass") with many small parts or pieces
- ✓Think of a story with many different parts that all come together to make it interesting
- ✓NOT like "simple" (one part or easy to understand); multi-faceted means many parts or layers
- ✓NOT like "single-sided" or "one-dimensional" (only one part or idea)
- ✓NOT like "flat" or "plain"; multi-faceted means having depth and complexity
Try Other Words
- •Complex: having many connected parts (Use when emphasizing difficulty or detail)
- •Diverse: showing variety or different kinds (Use when focusing on variety rather than structure)
- •Versatile: able to do many different things (Use when talking about people or objects with many uses or skills)
- •Multi-dimensional: having many dimensions or aspects (Use when emphasizing different levels or perspectives)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "multi-" (many) + "faceted" (from facet: a small flat surface or side)
- •Etymology: "facet" comes from French "facette," a small face or side, originally from Latin "facies" meaning face or appearance
- •Historical development: "Facet" used in gem cutting to describe flat surfaces; "multi-faceted" extended to describe anything with many parts or sides
- •Modern usage: Used to describe complex problems, people with many talents, or things with several features or aspects
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a person or thing in your life that is multi-faceted? How do their many parts or qualities affect how you see them?
•Why is it important to understand that some problems or ideas are multi-faceted instead of simple?
Fill in the blanks
1.The issue is multi-faceted because it involves ___, ___, and social factors all at once.
2.A multi-faceted person often has ___ skills and can handle different types of work.
3.Unlike simple problems, a multi-faceted problem requires ___ solutions.
4.The project was described as multi-faceted, meaning it had many ___ and needed careful planning.
5.When someone is multi-faceted, they usually show different ___ in different situations.
6.To solve a multi-faceted challenge, you must consider its many ___ and effects.
7.The artist's multi-faceted talents include painting, singing, and ___.