Definition of the word sophisticated

"Sophisticated" originates from the Latin "sophisticatus," meaning "adulterated" or "made sophisticated." This referred to the process of refining and adulterating goods, often with cheaper ingredients. By the 16th century, "sophisticated" took on the meaning of "corrupted" or "made artificial" in a negative sense. It later evolved to describe something complex, refined, or knowledgeable, implying a process of refinement and development. This shift reflects the evolving perception of sophistication, from a manipulative process to a positive marker of intellectual and cultural advancement.