complex | complicated

Here are two words that are often used interchangeably, but for which I have developed different meanings.

complex*
1 | noun | a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts
5 | adjective | complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts
Etymology: Latin, "to intertwine"

complicated
adjective | difficult to analyze or understand
Etymology: Latin, "to fold together"

The technical definitions are closer to my use of these words, but still rather synonymous. To me:

Complex refers to something that is made up of many factors of parts, but which can be better understood by breaking it down into those parts, especially when each of which on their own are simple. For example, a large mathematics equation or a car engine.

Complicated refers to something that is not obviously reducible, or which is needlessly difficult. An example: relationships, or the weather.

Hmm, I wonder whether my format is complicated. Meh, I'll fix that later. Anyways, always remember that if you are as particular about definitions as I am, to make sure that everyone around you knows the true meaning of the words your using. It's (un)surprising how many debates I've had that were sorted out by properly defining term. And don't use strange definitions of words without explanation, they can effect needless confusion.

*additional, extraneous meanings left out

definitions

ambiguous
1 | adjective | open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
2 | adjective | having more than one possible meaning
3 | adjective | having no intrinsic or objective meaning; not organized in conventional patterns
etymology: Greek "to move/drive around"

undefined
adjective | not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished
Alternatively, in mathematics: 1/0

I have found (and continue to find) that many words in the English language are ambiguous, while others are poorly understood, and some words could be so much more than they are. There are a lot of good words that go unused and people often use inferior or even incorrect words.

Personally, I try to be accurate and precise when using languages, especially in debates I have with friends where such qualities are necessary to articulate and defend an argument. Therefore, I've started making my own definitions for certain words, not new words, but slight enhancements to get more out of my language. So, I've decided to start posting my definitions, along side their traditional counterparts.

For the most part, definitions and etymologies will come from Wolfram|Alpha (which, to my knowledge cites Oxford), Merriam-Webster, Wikitonary, or dictionary.com.

defined
1 | adjective | clearly characterized or delimited
2 | adjective | showing clearly the outline or profile or boundary
etymology: Greek "to set a limit, bound end"

I have nothing to add to these words, I just thought it interesting to look them up.