complex word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a word that has multiple meanings, is difficult to understand, or has a complicated structure. Example: "The term 'antidisestablishmentarianism' is often cited as a complex word due to its length and intricate meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Results revealed that adults were vulnerable to morphological complexity: they performed more accurately and faster on matched control words versus morphologically complex word types.

Applied Psycholinguistics

Long drives meant discussions of history or solving complex word problems.

The New York Times

She spends hours each day drawing and creating complex word puzzles.

The New York Times - Health

Home is a complex word in our stone farmhouse in the country outside Paris, where we all possess different passports.

The New York Times

Guardian Australia's Everett True was impressed: "The Adelaide rapper twists and turns her way through her complex word mazes with a supple and sinuous ease," he wrote.

The Guardian - Music

The Adelaide rapper twists and turns her way through her complex word mazes with a supple and sinuous ease that has drawn favourable comparisons with the likes of Azalea Banks.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A difference in accuracy and response times between morphologically complex words and matched control words would indicate sensitivity to morphological complexity.

Applied Psycholinguistics

"The long, complex words of medicine are magical to Spaniards," Mr. Tremlett writes.

The New York Times - Books

The repetitive verses offer a chance to practise more complex words.

The Economist

But the art of good teaching is making complex words and ideas penetrable for all (something I still struggle with).

The Guardian - Opinion

My guess is that, when it comes to invoking elegance, foreign and complex words have a natural advantage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "complex word", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the word complex – is it the length, the multiple meanings, the etymology, or the morphological structure?

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a word as "complex word" without explaining why it is complex. Instead, provide specific details about its complexity to enhance clarity and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex word" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "complex" modifies the noun "word". It's used to classify and describe a word based on its level of difficulty or intricacy. Ludwig examples showcase its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex word" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a word that is difficult to understand due to its length, structure, multiple meanings, or origin. Ludwig highlights its usage across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral in formality, it's crucial to provide context when using it, explaining what makes the word complex. Alternatives like "complicated term" or "difficult vocabulary" can be used depending on the specific aspect of complexity you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated term

Replaces "word" with "term", emphasizing a specific designation.

difficult vocabulary

Shifts focus from a single word to a broader set of words.

intricate expression

Emphasizes the elaborate nature of the word.

sophisticated term

Suggests a higher level of refinement in the word's meaning.

challenging vocabulary

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or using the word.

abstruse wording

Focuses on the obscurity and difficulty in comprehending the word's formulation.

problematic lexicon

Highlights potential issues or confusion arising from the word.

convoluted phrase

Implies the word is part of a more tangled linguistic structure.

technical jargon

Indicates the word is specific to a particular field or profession.

obscure terminology

Suggests the word is not widely known or easily understood.

FAQs

How can I use "complex word" in a sentence?

You can use "complex word" to describe a word that is difficult to understand or has a complicated structure. For instance, "'Antidisestablishmentarianism' is a "complex word" due to its length and intricate meaning".

What are some alternatives to "complex word"?

Alternatives include "complicated term", "difficult vocabulary", or "intricate expression", depending on the specific aspect of complexity you want to emphasize.

What makes a word a "complex word"?

A "complex word" can be considered such due to various factors, including its length, etymology, multiple meanings, or morphological structure. Understanding these aspects helps in accurately labeling a word as "complex".

Is it always necessary to avoid using "complex words" in writing?

Not necessarily. While clarity is important, using "complex words" can sometimes be appropriate, especially in academic or technical contexts, provided that the audience understands them. Consider your audience and the purpose of your writing when choosing your vocabulary.