ENGLISH
REFERENCE

convoluted

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɑnvəˌɫutəd// UK //kˌɒnvəlˈuːtɪd// con·vo·lut·ed

adj. extremely complicated and difficult to follow. You use this to describe things like stories, rules, or paths that have too many twists and turns.

adj. extremely complex and difficult to follow; having many overlapping folds or twists. Often used to describe abstract concepts like logic or bureaucracy, though it retains its literal sense in biological descriptions.


SIMPLE

The plot of the movie was so convoluted that I got lost.

CONTEXTUAL

The legal process for applying for a visa was so convoluted that many applicants had to hire a lawyer.

COMPLEX

The philosopher's argument was so convoluted that even his most dedicated students struggled to identify the core premise amidst the layers of historical references and technical jargon.

Synonyms
Origin

From convolute + -d.

Usage

Typically used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'seem', or as an attributive adjective before a noun.

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