Etymology Map
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Intricate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means very complicated

Where does the word "intricate" come from? It comes from Latin intricatus, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
intricatus
Latin · ancient
"entangled"
past participle of 'intricare', to entangle, from 'tricae', trifles
2
Stage 2 of 2
intricate
English · 1400s
"entangled"
'intrigue' shares the root
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Read the full story

Intricate’s story begins in Latin: intricatus meant “entangled.” Past participle of 'intricare', to entangle, from 'tricae', trifles. It reached English by 1400s as intricate. 'intrigue' shares the root. Today, intricate means very complicated.