Labyrinthine
Adjective
Definition: Relating to, resembling, or constituting a labyrinth; intricate or confusing in form or arrangement.
Synonyms: Complex, Convoluted, Intricate
Antonyms: Simple, Straightforward, Uncomplicated
- The instructions for assembling the furniture were incredibly labyrinthine.
- The plot of the movie was so labyrinthine, it was hard to keep track of all the twists and turns.
- Think of a maze-like structure with endless corridors, representing something complex or confusing.
Etymology:
The word "labyrinthine" is derived from the noun "labyrinth," which originates from the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. In this myth, the labyrinth was a maze-like structure designed by the architect Daedalus, which imprisoned the Minotaur, a half-human, half-bull creature. The word "labyrinthine" entered English in the early 18th century.
Historical Usage:"Labyrinthine" has been used since its introduction as a way to describe something intricate, confusing, or resembling a labyrinth.
Related Idioms:
"Lost in a labyrinthine bureaucracy"
Explanation:Referring to being trapped or entangled in a complicated and confusing system of rules, regulations, and procedures.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "labyrinthine" with "labrynthine."
Explanation:"Labrynthine" is a common misspelling of "labyrinthine." However, the correct spelling is "labyrinthine," with the letter "y" after "nth."