adj
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convoluted
kon-vuh-LOO-tihd
Convoluted (adj) means Extremely complicated and hard to follow. Example: “His explanation was so convoluted that nobody understood it.”
adj
1
Extremely complicated and hard to follow.
"His explanation was so convoluted that nobody understood it."
"The plot of the film is needlessly convoluted."
2
Having many twists, coils, or folds.
"The shell had a convoluted, spiralling shape."
How to use convoluted
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOverly complicated, twisted, or hard to follow — used for both physical shapes and confusing explanations.
Common pairings
convoluted plot
convoluted argument
convoluted explanation
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more convoluted
- Superlative
- most convoluted
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His explanation was so _____ that nobody understood it.
Etymology
From Latin convolutus, "rolled together, twisted" — related to "revolve."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for convoluted
See all rhymes for convoluted →Frequently asked questions
What does “convoluted” mean?
The word “convoluted” means extremely complicated and hard to follow. In plain terms, overly complicated, twisted, or hard to follow — used for both physical shapes and confusing explanations.
How do you pronounce “convoluted”?
“Convoluted” is pronounced kon-vuh-LOO-tihd (/ˌkɑnvəˈlutəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “convoluted” in a sentence?
Here is “convoluted” used in a sentence: “His explanation was so convoluted that nobody understood it.”
What part of speech is “convoluted”?
“Convoluted” is an adjective.
Where does the word “convoluted” come from?
The word “convoluted” comes from Latin. From Latin convolutus, "rolled together, twisted" — related to "revolve.".
How many meanings does “convoluted” have?
“Convoluted” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely complicated and hard to follow.
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