Basic Details
Word: Complicate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something more difficult or complex.
Synonyms: Compound, confuse, entangle
Antonyms: Simplify, clarify, ease
Idioms and Phrases
- Don't complicate things: A phrase used to advise someone not to make a situation more difficult than it needs to be. Example: "Let's keep the project simple; don't complicate things with too many ideas."
- Complicate the issue: To make a situation more complex or difficult to understand. Example: "His unnecessary comments only complicate the issue further."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Trying to explain the rules of the game in too much detail will only complicate the players understanding.
Example 2: The instructions were so complicated that they seemed to complicate the assembly instead of helping it.
Example 3: Her decision to change her mind at the last minute will complicate our plans for the week.
Fun Fact
The word "complicate" comes from the Latin word "complicare," which means "to fold together." This reflects how things get tangled up or intertwined, making them harder to separate and understand.
Famous Quote
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci. This quote highlights the importance of keeping things simple rather than complicating them.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "complicate" mean?
a) To make something easier
b) To make something more difficult
c) To throw something away
d) To teach someone
Answer: b) To make something more difficult
2. Which of these is a synonym of "complicate"?
a) Simplify
b) Confuse
c) Clarify
d) Ease
Answer: b) Confuse
3. Which of these is an antonym of "complicate"?
a) Confuse
b) Complicate
c) Simplify
d) Entangle
Answer: c) Simplify
4. Which sentence uses "complicate" correctly?
a) The teacher's explanation helped to complicate the lesson.
b) I want to complicate my dessert recipe.
c) We decided to complicate our travel plans for no reason.
d) We should not complicate the meeting with unnecessary details.
Answer: d) We should not complicate the meeting with unnecessary details.
5. Which phrase means the same as "complicate things"?
a) Make things simple
b) Don't complicate things
c) Keep things straightforward
d) Complicate the issue
Answer: d) Complicate the issue
