1
Complex issue
Containing several social, economic, scientific, or political dimensions that require separate attention.
Example
Migration is a multifaceted phenomenon with economic, political, and cultural causes.
multifaceted
/ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ · mul-tee-FASS-ih-tidadjective
Having many aspects or dimensions.
Use multifaceted for a subject, problem, person, or approach composed of several distinct but connected aspects.
What multifaceted Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Many-sided approach
Combining several methods or strategies to address a complex goal.
Example
The city adopted a multifaceted approach to reducing water use.
3
Nuanced portrayal
Showing numerous, sometimes contrasting, qualities of a person or subject.
Example
The biography offers a multifaceted portrait of the scientist.
Use multifaceted Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The biography offers a multifaceted portrait of the scientist.
Because migration has economic, political, and cultural causes, it is a multifaceted phenomenon.
The researchers used a multifaceted approach that combined surveys, interviews, and field observation.
Precision Matters
Multifaceted overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
multifaceted
vs.Specifically stresses the presence of many distinct aspects.
complex
Broadly means difficult to analyse because parts are interconnected.
multifaceted
vs.Describes numerous sides within one subject or approach.
diverse
Stresses variety among multiple people, things, or ideas.
multifaceted
vs.Emphasises multiple dimensions or components.
nuanced
Emphasises subtle distinctions and fine shades of meaning.
multifaceted
vs.Contains several distinguishable aspects.
monolithic
Appears uniform, indivisible, or lacking internal variety.
Test multifaceted in Context
The problem has multiple distinct dimensions.
1
Because the decline in pollinators has agricultural, ecological, and economic consequences, researchers describe it as a ___ problem requiring several kinds of expertise.