complex
UK[ˈkɒm.plɛks]US[kəmˈplɛks]
adj
Consisting of many different and connected parts; not simple or easy to understand.
n
A group of similar buildings or facilities on the same site.
n
A related group of emotionally significant ideas that are repressed and cause abnormal behavior or mental states.
Morpheme Breakdown
com
plex
com
together
plex
weave
Etymology
The word 'complex' originates from the Latin past participle 'complexus', meaning 'surrounded, encompassed, or woven together', derived from the verb 'complecti' (com- 'together' + plectere 'to weave'). This literal sense of things being interwoven or entwined evolved into the abstract meaning of something composed of interconnected parts. The journey from the physical act of braiding to describing intricate systems or psychological phenomena illustrates a classic semantic shift from concrete action to abstract conceptual relationship.
Analysis
Structure: com (together) + plex (weave)
'com-' is a Latin prefix meaning 'together' or 'with'. 'plex' is from the Latin root 'plectere', meaning 'to weave' or 'to braid'.
Examples
The issue is far more complex than it first appeared.
They live in a large apartment complex near the city center.
He has a complex about his height, always feeling too tall.