multifaceted
gb/mˌʌltifˈæsətɪd/ us/mˌʌltifˈæsətɪd/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
having many different aspects
A multifaceted thing has many different parts or sides.
Usage pattern:
a multifaceted [issue/problem/role/personality]; [something] is multifaceted
Common mistake:
Do not use it just to mean “many.” It usually describes one thing that has several aspects or qualities.
Synonyms
complex (emphasizes that something has many connected parts and may be hard to understand)
|
many-sided (more direct and slightly less formal)
|
multidimensional (emphasizes several different dimensions or ways of understanding something)
|
nuanced (emphasizes subtle differences rather than simply many parts)
Antonyms
simple (having few parts or not much complexity)
|
one-dimensional (lacking depth, variety, or different aspects)
|
straightforward (easy to understand and not complicated)
Collocations
multifaceted problem
|multifaceted issue
|multifaceted approach
|multifaceted strategy
|multifaceted role
|multifaceted identity
|multifaceted personality
|multifaceted character
|multifaceted analysis
|multifaceted nature
Themes
complexity
|analysis
|business
|society
Examples
- Poverty is a multifaceted problem that cannot be solved by one policy alone.
- Her new job is multifaceted, combining research, management, and public speaking.
- The documentary gives a multifaceted picture of life in the city.
Learner examples
- The problem is multifaceted.
- She has a multifaceted role at the company.
adjective
C1
property
2
having many flat surfaces
A multifaceted object has many small flat sides or surfaces.
Usage pattern:
a multifaceted [gem/crystal/surface/object]
Common mistake:
This literal sense is less common than the figurative meaning about ideas, problems, or people.
Synonyms
faceted (the usual word for a surface or stone with flat faces)
|
many-sided (general and literal; less associated with gemstones)
|
polyhedral (technical, referring to a solid with many flat faces)
Antonyms
smooth (having no noticeable facets or rough surfaces)
|
plain (not cut or shaped with many decorative faces)
|
unfaceted (specifically not having facets)
Collocations
multifaceted gem
|multifaceted crystal
|multifaceted surface
|multifaceted object
|multifaceted design
|multifaceted glass
Themes
objects
|design
|materials
|jewelry
Examples
- The light reflected off the multifaceted crystal.
- The artist created a multifaceted glass sculpture that changed color from every angle.
- A multifaceted gem can sparkle more strongly because it catches light on many surfaces.
Learner examples
- The stone is multifaceted.
- The glass has a multifaceted surface.
Grammar
Dictionary form
multifaceted
IPA
GB/mˌʌltifˈæsətɪd/
US/mˌʌltifˈæsətɪd/
Syllables & stress
mul - ti - fa - ceted (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (fa)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: multifaceted
Expressions
multifaceted approach
1/mˌʌltifˈæsətɪd əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
method using several angles
A multifaceted approach uses more than one method to solve a problem.
Examples
- The city adopted a multifaceted approach to reducing homelessness.
- Improving public health requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, housing, and access to care.
- The company used a multifaceted approach to reach younger customers.