Complicity Meaning
/kəˈmplɪsəti/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe state of being complicit; involvement as a partner or accomplice, especially in a crime or other wrongdoing.
nounComplexity.
Sentence Examples
Natalia and Veronica looked at each other in complicity.
It is but a short step from negligence to complicity.
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ in the robbery was proven by the security footage from that night.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He firmly denied any ____ in the large bank robbery.
Word Origin & History
From French complicité, from Middle French, from Old French complice (“accomplice”), from Late Latin complic-, stem of complex (“partner, confederate”), from Latin complicō (“fold together”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"He drew up a placard, offering Twenty Pounds reward for the apprehension of Stephen Blackpool, suspected of complicity in the robbery of Coketown Bank."
— 1854, Charles Dickens, chapter 32, in Hard Times:
"How easy is it, on the other hand, to an enlightened teacher, particularly in the beginning, to elucidate the various forms of rhythm by methodical arrangement in respect of simplicity and increasing complicity or mixture!"
— 1861, Dr. Marx, “Musical Education and Instruction,”, in The Musical Times, volume 10, number 220, page 53:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ in the robbery was proven by the security footage from that night.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He firmly denied any ____ in the large bank robbery.