| Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993. |
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| sophisticated (adj.), sophisticate (n., v.), sophistication (n.) |
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| Probably because of their etymological basis in sophistry and the sophists, these words have not always been thought to suggest wholly admirable qualities: “complex,” yes, but perhaps “deviously, needlessly complex” was sometimes the implication. Today the meaning has generally elevated to “complex, elegant, polished” or (especially of persons) “experienced and worldly-wise,” an antonym of naive and innocent. When you find these words in older prose, however, be alert for the pejorative senses. | 1 |
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| | | The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Copyright © 1993 Columbia University Press. |
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