complicate
gb/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/ us/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/
B1
English
~ 5000
bonyolít, megnehezít
VERB
B1
1
bonyolít
B2
megnehezít
B1
Usage pattern:
to complicate [something]
Adding more rules will only complicate the process.
Ha még több szabályt adunk hozzá, az csak bonyolítja a folyamatot.
Her sudden resignation could complicate the negotiations.
A váratlan lemondása bonyolíthatja a tárgyalásokat.
Don't complicate matters by bringing up unrelated issues.
The new regulations may complicate how we operate.
Extra paperwork will complicate the application process.
Learner examples
Extra rules will complicate the game.
Az extra szabályok bonyolultabbá teszik a játékot.
Rain can complicate travel plans.
Az eső megnehezítheti az utazási terveket.
Her questions complicate the work.
Too many steps complicate the recipe.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'complicate' with 'complex'—'complicate' is a verb, while 'complex' is an adjective.
Meaning
Make something harder or more complex
Collocations
complicate matters
|complicate the situation
|complicate things
|complicate the process
Synonyms
confuse (Implies making something unclear or hard to follow rather than adding complexity deliberately.)
|
overcomplicate (Implies making something needlessly or excessively complicated.)
Antonyms
simplify (Means to make something easier to understand or do by removing unnecessary parts.)
Themes
daily life
|problem solving
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make something harder to do or understand.
To make a situation, process, or problem more difficult to understand or deal with by adding extra factors or details.
Grammar
Dictionary form
complicate
IPA
GB/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/
US/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
com - plic - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (com)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: complicate
- 3rd Person Singular: complicates
- Present Participle: complicating
- Past: complicated
Word family
Forms
Core family
complication
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
uncomplicated
adjective
simplify
verb B1
Expressions
complicate matters
1/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt mˈætɚz/
fixed phrase
Make a situation harder to handle
To make a problem or situation more difficult to deal with.
Examples
- We don't want to complicate matters by involving too many people.
- His refusal to cooperate will only complicate matters.
complicate things
1/kˈɑmplɪkˌeɪt θˈɪŋz/
fixed phrase
Make general circumstances harder
To make life, work, or a situation harder than it needs to be.
Examples
- Don't complicate things—just tell me what you want.
- The delay will complicate things for everyone involved.