πολύπλοκος
Lemma: πολύπλοκος
Translation: complex; complicated; intricate; convoluted (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek πολύς (polús, 'many') + πλέκω (plékō, 'to weave, twist'). Related to English 'complex' and 'plexus' through the Indo-European root *plek- (to plait)
Mnemonics
- Think 'poly' (many) + 'plok' (similar to 'plait' or 'fold') = many folds/layers
- Remember 'poly' as in 'polygon' and 'complex' - they share similar meaning
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Frequently used in both technical and everyday contexts, particularly in discussions about systems, procedures, or relationships
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While πολύπλοκος means 'complex/complicated', πολύτροπος means 'versatile/resourceful'
Confused word:
Είναι πολύτροπος άνθρωπος.
He is a resourceful person.
Notes: Both start with πολύ- (many) but have different second elements affecting their meaning
Mnemonic: πολύπλοκος has 'plok' (think 'complex'), while πολύτροπος has 'trop' (think 'trope' - ways/manners)