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complex

When used as an adjective, "complex" describes things that are complicated. It is often confused with "complicated," but "complex" usually implies a system with many interconnected parts. As a noun referring to buildings, it is a countable noun (e.g., one complex, two complexes). In psychology, the term "complex" refers to a hidden emotional pattern and is almost always preceded by an adjective describing the type of feeling, such as an "inferiority complex" or a "superiority complex."

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is sitting in a crowded university library.
Eleanor Smith

CHLOE I AM LOST. WHICH BUILDING IS THE MEDICAL COMPLEX?

Eleanor Smith
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith

Omg grandma, just hang tight and I'll swing by to get you.

💡
Eleanor is using 'complex' as a noun referring to a group of medical buildings. Chloe uses the phrasal verbs 'hang tight' (wait patiently) and 'swing by' (visit briefly), reflecting her casual student persona compared to Eleanor's all-caps, tech-struggling style.

Meanings

adjective

Consisting of many different and connected parts; not easy to analyze or understand.

"The instructions for assembling the furniture were far too complex."

noun

A group of similar buildings or facilities on the same site.

"They live in a large apartment complex near the city center."

noun

A core pattern of emotions, memories, perceptions, and wishes in the subconscious mind, influencing behavior.

"He struggles with an inferiority complex that makes him doubt his abilities."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error