How Do You Spell COMPLEX?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒmplɛks] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "complex" can be confusing due to its English roots and its connection to "complicate". The correct spelling of "complex" is [ˈkɒm.plɛks] with two x's, not "compLex" or "compleks". The first syllable is pronounced as "com" with a short o sound, and the stress falls on the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced as "eks". Understanding the IPA phonetic transcription can help people to spell "complex" correctly in written communication.

COMPLEX Meaning and Definition

  1. Complex (adjective) refers to something that is made up of multiple interconnected or interrelated elements or parts, forming a whole entity that is difficult to understand or analyze due to its intricacy or sophistication.

    The term may be used to describe a situation, system, problem, or concept that involves various layers, aspects, or components. A complex entity often exhibits a high degree of intricacy, requiring deep examination to comprehend its inner workings or relationships. It can suggest a level of difficulty or obscurity in understanding, implying that the subject matter may be beyond the scope of a simple or straightforward explanation.

    Additionally, complex can refer to something that is composed of many different parts or attributes, displaying a diverse or multifaceted nature. It implies the presence of various elements or factors that contribute to the overall structure or composition, resulting in richness or diversity in appearance or functionality.

    In psychology, complex may be used to describe a set of unconscious feelings, thoughts, or experiences that are emotionally significant, often resulting in a pattern of behavior or response. These psychological complexes are typically formed through personal experiences and may have a strong influence on an individual's behavior and attitudes.

    In summary, "complex" refers to something that is intricate, sophisticated, or intricate, consisting of multiple interconnected or interrelated elements or parts, often challenging to understand or analyze due to its intricacy, and may have diverse or multifaceted characteristics.

  2. 1. Anything made up of a number of related parts, noting especially the aggregate of symptoms associated with a certain morbid condition, a syndrome, a symptom-complex. 2. In psychology, all the ideas, feelings, impressions, etc., associated with a given subject. 3. Specifically, in psychoanalysis, an idea or group of ideas associated with a tone of unpleasantness which tends to keep it out of consciousness. 4. Intricate, complicated.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Intricate; composed of two or more parts or things; not simple; difficult.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for COMPLEX *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for COMPLEX

Etymology of COMPLEX

The word "complex" originates from the Latin word "complexus", which is the past participle of "complecti", meaning "to entwine" or "to embrace". The term "complexus" was later adopted in Late Latin and Old French, where it gained a more abstract sense of "something made up of interconnected parts". In English, the word "complex" was first used in the 1640s to describe a whole made up of interdependent parts. Over time, it came to represent intricate systems or ideas that are challenging to understand or explain.

Idioms with the word COMPLEX

  • guilt complex A guilt complex is an emotional state characterized by an excessive or irrational feeling of guilt, usually stemming from a perceived wrongdoing or responsibility for negative outcomes beyond an individual's control. It involves an extreme self-blame and can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and anxiety.

Similar spelling words for COMPLEX

Plural form of COMPLEX is COMPLEXES

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