edifice complex
1
9.4
- noun
- /ˈɛdɪfɪs ˈkɒmplɛks/
- Informal
:
complejo de edificación
- His edifice complex pushed him to create monuments that displayed his wealth and influence.
Examples
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Many critics argue that the architect's edifice complex overshadows practicality in his designs.
-
Jim, I think you suffer from an edifice complex.
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The mayor's edifice complex led to the construction of several grand buildings in the city.
Synonyms
9
9.0
A false belief that someone is much more important or powerful than they really are
5
9.9
A strong false belief that you are more powerful and important than you are
1
7.9
Thinking that you are more important or powerful than others
Antonyms
How Obsessed
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning can be worked out from the constituents: 'edifice' (large building) + 'complex' (a psychological fixation) yields a fixation about buildings, so a learner who knows both words could infer the intended sense. However, it is a creative coinage/pun (echoing 'Oedipus complex') rather than an entrenched compositional phrase, so understanding depends on recognizing the psychological sense of 'complex' and the playful wordplay, making it only partially transparent.
Etymology
Edifice complex may come from a simple word joke: edifice means a large, impressive building and complex here means a strong personal obsession. So the phrase describes someone who is obsessed with building grand structures to show their power or importance.