Origin of complex
1645–55; 1905–10
for def 7; (adj.) < Latin
complexus, past participle of
complectī, complectere to embrace, encompass, include, equivalent to
complect- (see
complect) +
-tus past participle suffix; (noun) < Late Latin
complexus totality, complex (Latin: inclusion, grasping, embrace), equivalent to
complect(ere) +
-tus suffix of v. action; reanalysis of the Latin v. as “to intertwine (completely)” has influenced sense of the adj.
ANTONYMS FOR complex
2, 3
simple.
OTHER WORDS FROM complex
Words nearby complex
British Dictionary definitions for overcomplex (1 of 2)
overcomplex
/ (ˌəʊvəˈkɒmplɛks) /
adjective
excessively complicated, intricate, or involved
an overcomplex pattern
British Dictionary definitions for overcomplex (2 of 2)
complex
/ (ˈkɒmplɛks) /
adjective
noun
Derived forms of complex
complexly, adverb complexness, nounWord Origin for complex
C17: from Latin
complexus, from
complectī to entwine, from
com- together +
plectere to braid
usage for complex
Complex is sometimes wrongly used where
complicated is meant.
Complex is properly used to say only that something consists of several parts. It should not be used to say that, because something consists of many parts, it is difficult to understand or analyse
Medical definitions for overcomplex
complex
[ kŏm′plĕks′ ]