intricate
UK[ˈɪn.trɪ.kət]US[ˈɪn.trɪ.kət]
adj
having many complexly interwoven parts or elements; very detailed or complicated.
adj
difficult to understand, analyze, or solve because of this complexity.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
tric
ate
in
in, into
tric
perplexities, hindrances, trifles
ate
characterized by
Etymology
the word 'intricate' originates from the latin past participle 'intricatus', meaning 'entangled, perplexed'. this derives from the verb 'intricare', which combines the prefix 'in-' ('into') with the noun 'tricae' ('perplexities, hindrances, trivial obstacles'). the core imagery is of being ensnared or entangled in petty complications, much like being caught in a net of fine threads. over time, the sense evolved from a state of being literally entangled or perplexed to describing any object, system, or pattern characterized by elaborate, interwoven, and complicated details.
Analysis
Structure: in + tric + ate
in- (latin, prefix meaning 'in, into'), tric (latin, from 'tricae' meaning 'perplexities, hindrances, trifles'), -ate (latin, suffix forming adjectives meaning 'characterized by').
Examples
the watch had an intricate mechanism with hundreds of tiny moving parts.
she followed the intricate plot of the novel with great concentration.
the artist is known for his intricate designs and attention to detail.