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labyrinthine

adjective

/ˌlæb əˈrɪn θɪn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of labyrinthine

Complex, intricate, and bewildering in nature, often resembling or relating to a labyrinth.
"Navigating through the city's labyrinthine streets was a daunting task for newcomers."

Detailed meaning of labyrinthine

It implies a convoluted structure or a maze-like quality that is difficult to navigate or comprehend. When applied to a situation or a system, it suggests a bewildering array of interconnections and intricate details that can confound and confuse those attempting to unravel it. Whether it refers to a physical space, a conceptual framework, or a series of events, something described as labyrinthine evokes a sense of depth, intricacy, and the potential for getting lost within its complex twists and turns.

Example sentences containing labyrinthine

1. The ancient castle had a labyrinthine network of secret passages and hidden chambers.
2. The legal document was filled with labyrinthine jargon that only a seasoned lawyer could decipher.
3. The novel's plot was a labyrinthine web of interconnected storylines and mysterious characters.
4. Exploring the ancient ruins, we stumbled upon a labyrinthine underground catacomb.
5. The government bureaucracy was notorious for its labyrinthine procedures and red tape.
6. The professor's lecture on quantum mechanics was filled with labyrinthine concepts that left the students bewildered.

History and etymology of labyrinthine

The adjective 'labyrinthine' draws its etymological inspiration from the intricate and bewildering nature of actual labyrinths. Its roots can be traced back to the legendary Labyrinth of Knossos in ancient Crete, a complex maze associated with the myth of the Minotaur. The term 'labyrinthine' is derived from the word 'labyrinth,' which, in turn, has origins in the Greek 'laburinthos.' This word became synonymous with complex and confusing structures, both literal and figurative. Over time, 'labyrinthine' came to describe anything that possesses the intricate, convoluted, and puzzling characteristics akin to the labyrinth, making it a fitting adjective for situations, organizations, or processes that seem complex and difficult to navigate.

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Further usage examples of labyrinthine

1. The detective had to unravel a labyrinthine conspiracy involving multiple suspects and intricate clues.
2. The computer program's code was so labyrinthine that even experienced programmers had difficulty understanding it.
3. The protagonist found themselves trapped in a labyrinthine dream world, trying to find their way back to reality.
4. The company's organizational structure was labyrinthine, with numerous departments and hierarchies.
5. The investigation into the financial fraud revealed a labyrinthine trail of money laundering and offshore accounts.
6. The labyrinthine plot of the mystery novel kept readers guessing.
7. Navigating the labyrinthine streets of the old city was a challenge.
8. Her thoughts became labyrinthine as she delved into the problem.
9. The legal process can be labyrinthine and confusing.
10. The labyrinthine cave system extended deep underground.
11. The labyrinthine bureaucracy made it difficult to get permits.
12. He had a labyrinthine mind, always coming up with new ideas.
13. The labyrinthine design of the puzzle fascinated him.
14. The labyrinthine relationships in the family caused tension.
15. The labyrinthine rules of the game left players bewildered.
16. Their journey through the forest was labyrinthine.
17. The labyrinthine architecture of the palace amazed visitors.
18. Navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the building was a task.
19. The labyrinthine conspiracy took years to unravel.
20. Her thoughts became more labyrinthine as she pondered the question.
21. The labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa frustrated him.
22. The labyrinthine web of lies finally collapsed under scrutiny.
23. The labyrinthine tunnels of the underground city were mysterious.
24. The labyrinthine plot of the movie kept the audience engaged.
25. The labyrinthine twists and turns of the maze challenged participants.