Etymology Map
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Complex

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means consisting of many parts

Where does the word "complex" come from? It comes from Latin complexus, adopted directly into English (1650s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
complexus
Latin · ancient
"surrounding, embracing"
from 'complecti', to embrace
2
Stage 2 of 2
complex
English · 1650s
"composite"
'inferiority complex' dates from the 1910s
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Read the full story

Complex’s story begins in Latin: complexus meant “surrounding, embracing.” From 'complecti', to embrace. It reached English by 1650s as complex. 'inferiority complex' dates from the 1910s. Today, complex means consisting of many parts.