What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sophisticated
Example
The restaurant's decor was sophisticated and modern. [sophisticated: adjective]
Example
She was a sophisticated traveler who had visited many countries. [sophisticated: adjective]
Example
The software uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze data. [sophisticated: adjective]
complex
Example
The human brain is a complex organ that scientists are still studying. [complex: adjective]
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were too complex for me to follow. [complex: adjective]
Example
The legal case involved a complex web of evidence and testimony. [complex: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complex is more commonly used than sophisticated in everyday language. Complex is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sophisticated is less common and often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sophisticated and complex?
Sophisticated is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, while complex can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
