adj C1 Advanced

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

Extremely complicated and hard to follow.

"His explanation was so convoluted that nobody understood it."

"The plot of the film is needlessly convoluted."

Having many twists, coils, or folds.

"The shell had a convoluted, spiralling shape."

How to use convoluted

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOverly complicated, twisted, or hard to follow — used for both physical shapes and confusing explanations.

Common pairings

convoluted plot convoluted argument convoluted explanation

Word forms

more convoluted comparative, most convoluted superlative

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His explanation was so _____ that nobody understood it.

Etymology

From Latin convolutus, "rolled together, twisted" — related to "revolve."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for convoluted

muted routed diluted reputed sprouted disputed polluted computed undisputed attributed distributed

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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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