Complex Meaning
Complex Definition & Usage
Involving many different and connected parts or elements, difficult to analyze or understand.
Examples
- "The project's complexity increased when new regulations were introduced."
- "The instructions were so complex that we had to ask for help."
- "Her argument was complex, incorporating multiple perspectives."
- "The machine's complex design made it difficult to repair."
- "The relationship between the two companies was complex, with many layers of legal obligations."
A complex system or a psychological issue with many facets, often difficult to untangle.
Examples
- "The human brain is a complex, highly adaptive system."
- "She struggled with her social complex, which made it hard for her to interact with others."
- "The city's transportation complex involves multiple subway lines and bus routes."
- "The professor explained that human behavior is often the result of a complex interplay of biology and culture."
- "The computer network is a complex of servers and routers, all connected in a specific way."
Cultural Context
The word 'complex' originates from Latin, where 'complexus' refers to something entwined or combined. Over time, it developed into the modern sense of something difficult to understand due to its many interconnected parts. In psychology, it became widely used in the early 20th century, particularly in the works of Carl Jung, who described emotional 'complexes' as patterns of thought and behavior that influence our actions.
The Labyrinth of Life
Story
The Labyrinth of Life
Eva stood at the edge of the city, looking out at the sprawling, interconnected network of roads, subways, and bus routes that made up the transportation system. She had always found the city’s layout complex, with its many layers and unexpected connections. As a student of urban planning, she had come to appreciate the elegance of this complexity, even if it was daunting at times. Every day, she navigated this maze of intersections and pathways, trying to make sense of the city’s sprawling nature. One evening, after a long day of studying, she met with her mentor, Professor Harper, at a local café. He was explaining the intricate designs of smart cities, where every building, road, and service was connected to create an efficient, responsive environment. 'You see, Eva, the concept of complexity isn't just about things being difficult or hard to understand. It's about multiple systems working in tandem, influencing each other. Like the city’s transit system—it’s complex, but it works because of its interconnections.' Eva thought about his words as she sipped her coffee. The professor was right, but sometimes it felt overwhelming. She had been struggling with her own emotional complexities too—doubts about her future, uncertainty about her career, and the pressure of living up to expectations. 'How do you manage the complexity of it all?' she asked him, her voice tinged with frustration. Professor Harper smiled knowingly. 'Life, like the city, is full of interconnected systems—relationships, work, personal growth. But just like any complex system, you can find patterns that help make sense of it all. The key is understanding how the parts fit together, even when they seem chaotic.' Later that evening, as Eva walked home through the winding streets, she thought about what he had said. Maybe the complexity of life wasn’t something to be feared or avoided. It was something to be understood and embraced. Just like the city’s transit system, all the little pieces—her studies, her friendships, her passions—were part of a larger whole. It might be complex, but that was what made it fascinating. The next morning, Eva returned to her urban planning project with renewed determination. Complexity, she realized, wasn’t something that made life harder—it was what gave it depth and meaning.
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