Spanish word

complicar

Pronunciation

IPA/kompliˈkaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbcomplicate

Example

Este detalle complica la conversación.

This detail complicates the conversation.

Illustration for complicar (complicate)

More examples

Un malentendido puede complicar una conversación.

A misunderstanding can complicate a conversation.

Core concept

Overlapping folds that tangle a sheet.

Common phrases

  • complicar una conversación

    complicate a conversation

  • complicar el trámite

    complicate the procedure

  • complicar la relación

    complicate the relationship

Similar words

dificultar: Make an action or goal harder to carry out or achieve.
enredar: Entangle relationships or facts so they become knotted and hard to sort out.
embrollar: Make a story or situation confusing and difficult to follow.
complicarse: Become more complicated or tangled on its own as a situation develops.

Definition in Spanish

Volver algo difícil o enredado por la incorporación de complicaciones, detalles o impedimentos.

Word origin

The verb comes from Latin complicare, from com- 'together' + plicare 'to fold', literally 'fold together' and thus meaning 'make complex'.

Usage tips

  • The verb is transitive, and to express 'become complicated' Spanish commonly uses the reflexive complicarse (se complicó) instead of a plain intransitive form.

Other meanings

  • make difficultverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word