Words / B1

KOMPL-eks/ˈkɒmpleks/

Complex means made of many parts and hard to understand. A complex system; complex instructions. Complicated is a close synonym, often more negative (too messy). Simple is the opposite. Complex can also be a noun for a group of buildings, but at B1 the adjective is the main exam word.

Meaning

Made of many parts and hard to understand.

Examples

• “The instructions were too complex for beginners.”
• “The tax rules are more complex than they look.”
• “It is a complex problem with no quick fix.”

Good to know

a complex issue / system. Near synonym: complicated. Opposite: simple.

Near in meaning

complicated

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