Complexify

/kəmˈplɛksɪfaɪ/ verb

Definition

To make something more complex or complicated.

Etymology

From 'complex' (Latin 'complexus,' past participle of 'complecti,' meaning 'to embrace' or 'to comprise') + '-ify' (Latin suffix meaning 'to make'). This is a relatively modern coinage using standard word-building patterns.

Kelly Says

While 'complexify' follows standard English word-building rules, language purists often object to it, preferring 'complicate' instead—yet it appears in scientific and academic writing where the noun 'complexity' is more common than traditional verb forms.

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