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English

convoluted

|con/vo/lu/ted|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈkɑːn.vəˌluː.tɪd/

🇬🇧

/ˈkɒn.vəˌluː.tɪd/

(convolute)

complex and twisted

Base FormPastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNoun
convoluteconvolutedconvolutedconvolutingconvolution
Etymology
Etymology Information

'convoluted' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'convolutus,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'volvere' meant 'to roll.'

Historical Evolution

'convolutus' transformed into the French word 'convoluté,' and eventually became the modern English word 'convoluted' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'rolled together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'complex and difficult to follow.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

extremely complex and difficult to follow.

The instructions were so convoluted that no one could follow them.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

having many twists and turns.

The convoluted path through the forest was hard to navigate.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41