Involved

mediumNeutral tone

in-VOLVD

adjective

Definition

Complicated or difficult to understand; intricate

Memory hook

IN-VOLVED: wrapped up in complexity — on GRE means complicated and intricate (not just participating).

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Word roots

involvereto wrap up/entangle(Latin)

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Examples

The involved plot confused many readers.
His involved explanation only added to the confusion.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

The ______ plot confused many readers.
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involved

Synonyms

intricateconvolutedlabyrinthinecomplex

Antonyms

simplestraightforwarduncomplicatedplain

Categories

View all Complexity words

GRE Tip

Involved is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "intricate" or "convoluted" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "simple".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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