French Conversation · Level 80
60 words
French word
complexe
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃plɛks/
Meaning
- adjectivecomplicated
Example
Ce problème est complexe.
This problem is complicated.
More examples
La situation est complexe.
The situation is complex.
Core concept
Several connected layers that make a whole difficult to separate or explain.
Common phrases
problème complexe
complex problem
situation complexe
complex situation
système complexe
complex system
Similar words
compliqué: Involving tangled elements or steps that take time and effort to understand or manage.
difficile: Not easy to do or understand because it requires effort or skill.
confus: Lacking clarity, so that what is happening is difficult to determine.
Definition in French
Qui comporte des parties enchevêtrées ou interdépendantes, rendant l'explication difficile.
Word origin
French complexe derives from Latin complexus, from complecti, 'to entwine together', and retains the idea of elements joined into an intricate whole.
Usage tips
- Complexe is often more abstract or analytical than compliqué, which is common for an immediate difficulty in everyday speech.
Other meanings
- complexadjective
Opposites
- simplesimpleadjective
- élémentaireelementaryadjective
Related words
- complexitécomplexitynoun
- complexifiercomplicateverb
- complexificationcomplexificationnoun