complex Meaning & Definition
What Does Complex Mean?
Complex is used as an adjective meaning Made up of multiple parts; composite; not simple. It can also mean Not simple, easy, or straightforward; complicated. As a noun, it means A network of interconnected systems. As a verb, it means To form a complex with another substance.
Word Facts for Complex
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈkɒmplɛks// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | byzantine, intricate and convoluted |
| Antonyms | simple, basic and easy |
| Plural | complexes |
| Comparative / superlative | more complex, most complex |
| Verb forms | complexes, complexing, complexed |
Complex Definition (Adjective)
- Made up of multiple parts; composite; not simple.
a complex being; a complex idea
- Not simple, easy, or straightforward; complicated.
- Having the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is (by definition) the imaginary square root of −1.
complex number
- Whose range is a subset of the complex numbers.
complex function
- Whose coefficients are complex numbers; defined over the field of complex numbers.
complex polynomial
- A curve, polygon or other figure that crosses or intersects itself.
Complex as a Noun
- A network of interconnected systems.
military–industrial complex
- A collection of buildings with a common purpose, such as a university or military base.
- An assemblage of related things; a collection.
An organized cluster of thunderstorms.
A cluster of wildfires burning in the same vicinity.
The fire complex began as two separate fires.
- An organized cluster of thunderstorms.
- A cluster of wildfires burning in the same vicinity.
The fire complex began as two separate fires.
- A group of closely related species, often distinguished only with difficulty by traditional morphological methods.
- A group of emotionally charged ideas or mental factors, unconsciously associated by the individual with a particular subject, arising from repressed instincts, fears, or desires and often resulting in mental abnormality.
Jim has a real complex about working for a woman boss.
- A fixed mental tendency or obsession.
- A structure consisting of a central atom or molecule weakly connected to surrounding atoms or molecules, as for example coordination compounds in inorganic chemistry and protein complexes in biochemistry.
- A complex number.
- A multimorphemic word, one with several parts, one with affixes.
Complex as a Verb
- To form a complex with another substance.
- To complicate.
Noun
- An assemblage of related things; a collection.
- An abnormal mental condition caused by repressed emotions.
- (by extension) A vehement, often excessive psychological dislike or fear of a particular thing.
Jim has a real complex about working for a woman boss.
- A structure consisting of a central atom or molecule weakly connected to surrounding atoms or molecules.
Adjective
- (of a number) Having the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is (by definition) the imaginary square root of −1.
- (of a function) Whose range is a subset of the complex numbers.
Synonyms of Complex
Antonyms of Complex
Complex in a Sentence
a complex being; a complex idea
The human body is a complex system made up of many layers.
complex number
function of a complex variable
complex function
complex polynomial
complex algebraic variety
military–industrial complex
The fire complex began as two separate fires.
Jim has a real complex about working for a woman boss.
Word Forms & Grammar
complex (comparative more complex or (nonstandard) complexer, superlative most complex or (nonstandard) complexest)
complex (plural complexes or (nonstandard) complices)
complex (third-person singular simple present complexes, present participle complexing, simple past and past participle complexed)
Words That Rhyme With Complex
Origin of Complex
From French complexe, from Latin complexus, past participle of complector (“to entwine, encircle, compass, infold”), from com- (“together”) and plectō (“to weave, braid”). May be analyzed as com- + -plex. See complect. Doublet of complexus.
Pronouncing Complex
You say complex as //ˈkɒmplɛks//. It has 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Complex
Is complex an adjective or a noun?
Complex is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.
What is another word for complex?
You can replace complex with words such as byzantine, intricate and convoluted. See the full list of complex synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of complex?
Words opposite in meaning to complex are simple, basic, easy and simplex.
What is the plural of complex?
The plural of complex is complexes.
What is the past tense of complex?
The past tense of complex is complexed. The present participle is complexing.