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convoluted

adjective

/ˈkɒn vəˌlu tɪd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of convoluted

Intricate, complex, or intricately twisted in nature.
"Her convoluted explanation only served to further complicate matters."

Detailed meaning of convoluted

It refers to a situation, idea, process, or concept that is characterized by a maze-like or intricate structure, making it difficult to understand or follow. A convoluted matter often involves numerous twists, turns, or interrelated elements that contribute to its complexity. It may include intricate details, multiple layers of information, or a confusing arrangement of parts. When applied to language or writing, convoluted describes a style that is excessively complicated or difficult to comprehend, often due to an excessive use of complex sentences, ambiguous phrasing, or convoluted syntax. In general, 'convoluted' suggests a lack of simplicity and straightforwardness, indicating a need for careful analysis or untangling to grasp the underlying meaning or essence of the subject at hand.

Example sentences containing convoluted

1. Her explanation of the incident was so convoluted that I couldn't follow her reasoning.
2. The plot of the movie was convoluted, full of unexpected twists and turns.
3. I find tax laws to be unnecessarily convoluted.
4. I wandered through the convoluted alleyways of the old city, losing myself in their charm.
5. The manuscript was filled with convoluted sentences, making it hard to understand the author's intent.
6. He had a convoluted way of approaching problems that often led to innovative solutions.

History and etymology of convoluted

The adjective 'convoluted' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'convolutus,' which is a combination of 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'volvere' meaning 'to roll' or 'to twist.' This etymology effectively conveys the essence of 'convoluted' as something that is intricately twisted or rolled together, often describing complex or intricate matters, ideas, or structures. It implies a level of intricacy and complexity that may be difficult to unravel or understand due to the twisting or interweaving of various elements. The term 'convoluted' maintains its etymological connection to the concept of twisting or rolling things together, emphasizing the intricate and sometimes perplexing nature of that which is described as convoluted.

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Further usage examples of convoluted

1. Their relationship had a convoluted history, one filled with countless breakups and reconciliations.
2. The path to the summit was convoluted, zigzagging up the mountainside.
3. His convoluted reasoning was difficult to follow, and left the audience baffled.
4. This manual seems unnecessarily convoluted; it could definitely be simplified.
5. With its convoluted syntax, the legal document was nearly impossible to interpret.
6. She traced the convoluted patterns of the wallpaper with her fingers.
7. The convoluted roots of the old tree spread out, covering a large area.
8. The scientists were trying to untangle the convoluted strands of the DNA molecule.
9. The political situation in the region is incredibly convoluted.
10. His explanation of quantum physics was convoluted, but I appreciated his attempt to simplify it.
11. The convoluted plot of the novel made it a challenging but rewarding read.
12. I am struggling to understand this convoluted user interface.
13. He presented a convoluted argument in defense of his controversial views.
14. The detective unraveled the convoluted series of events leading to the crime.
15. The convoluted plot of the novel kept readers guessing until the very end.
16. I struggled to understand the convoluted instructions for assembling the furniture.
17. The convoluted series of events in the movie required careful attention to follow.
18. Trying to navigate the convoluted streets of the old town proved challenging for tourists.