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Meaning & use

multifaceted

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/
US/ˌmʌltiˈfæsətɪd/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Having many different sides, features or aspects, so that it cannot be described simply.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: a multifaceted problem; the issue is multifaceted.

    Patterns

    • a multifaceted approach
    • be multifaceted

    Climate change is a multifaceted problem that no single policy can solve.

    She is a multifaceted artist who paints, writes and composes.

    The role of a teacher is far more multifaceted than most people realize.

  2. adjectivenot comparabletechnical

    Cut with many small flat surfaces, as a gemstone or crystal is.

    Grammar: Literal and rather rare; the figurative sense is far more common.

    The jeweler held up a multifaceted diamond that glittered under the lamp.

    A multifaceted crystal scattered tiny rainbows across the wall.

Common combinations

a multifaceted approach
The city adopted a multifaceted approach to reducing traffic.
a multifaceted personality
He has a multifaceted personality and surprises everyone.
multifaceted problem
Homelessness is a multifaceted problem with many causes.
multifaceted career
Her multifaceted career spans medicine, teaching and politics.
highly multifaceted
The relationship between the two countries is highly multifaceted.

Synonyms and how they differ

complex
Complex stresses that something is hard to understand, while multifaceted stresses that it has many sides, not necessarily difficult ones.
many-sided
Many-sided is plainer and more informal, but means nearly the same.
versatile
Versatile is used for people or tools that can do many things well, so it is more positive than multifaceted.
diverse
Diverse describes a group made of different kinds, whereas multifaceted describes one thing with many aspects.

Opposites

one-dimensionalsimple

Word family

facet noun
one side or aspect of something
faceted adjective
having facets
multifacetedness noun
the quality of having many aspects
multi- prefix
meaning many

Commonly confused: multifaceted or multitasking?

multifaceted vs multitasking

Multitasking means doing several jobs at once; multifaceted means having many aspects.

Practice

The novel gives a ___ portrait of the city, showing its wealth, poverty, humor and fear.

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