English vocabulary · C1
Convoluted
/ˈkɑːnvəluːtɪd/ · adj.
Something convoluted is so twisted and complicated that it is hard to follow. You get lost in the details.
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Example sentences
- The tax rules are convoluted.
- He gave a convoluted excuse.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — together (from Latin)
- volv — roll (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- COMPLICATED — hard to work out (Hard to understand)
- COMPLEX — many parts together (Many connected parts)
- TANGLED — knotted together (Twisted in knots)
Words with the same root
volv — roll
Lesson notes
Something convoluted is so twisted and complicated that it is hard to follow. You get lost in the details.
Related: complicated, complex, tangled. Use convoluted when it's too twisted to follow.
The tax rules are convoluted. He gave a convoluted excuse.
From Latin. Con- means together. Volv- means roll. Rolled together: convoluted.