sophisticate
UK[səˈfɪstɪkeɪt]US[səˈfɪstɪˌkeɪt]
v
to make someone or something more complex, developed, or refined
v
to make someone less natural or innocent, especially by making them more worldly-wise
n
a person who is sophisticated
Morpheme Breakdown
soph
istic
ate
soph
wise
istic
adjective suffix
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'sophisticate' traces its lineage to the greek 'sophos', meaning wise or skilled, which is itself of uncertain proto-indo-european origin. this root gave rise to 'sophistes', a teacher of wisdom, which in latin became 'sophisticus'. the english word initially entered the language as an adjective meaning adulterated or corrupted, reflecting a negative view of the cleverness associated with the ancient sophists. over time, the core idea of 'wisdom' or 'skill' evolved, and with the addition of the suffix '-ate', the verb came to denote the process of making something more complex or refined, and the noun form described a person characterized by such worldly wisdom and refinement.
Analysis
Structure: soph (wise) + istic (adjective suffix) + ate (verb suffix)
soph originates from greek 'sophos' meaning wise. istic is an adjective-forming suffix of greek and latin origin, indicating pertaining to or characterized by. ate is a verb-forming suffix of latin origin.
Examples
the chef used exotic spices to sophisticate the flavor of the simple dish.
traveling the world at a young age helped to sophisticate her views on culture.
he was a true sophisticate, equally at home discussing art, wine, and politics.