convoluted

IPA/ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd/
KK[kˈɑnvəlˌutəd]IPA/ˈkɑːnvəluːtɪd/

convoluted — adjective

  • convolutedpositive
  • more convolutedcomparative
  • most convolutedsuperlative

1. so full of unnecessary details and connected parts that it is extremely hard to

1.形容詞B2
釋義

so full of unnecessary details and connected parts that it is extremely hard to follow or understand

例句

The lawyer's convoluted argument left the jury unable to follow his main point.

collocation: convoluted argument

Amara had to read the convoluted contract three times before she understood her rights.

同義詞
  • complicated

    broader and more neutral; does not imply unnecessary complexity

  • intricate

    suggests fine, detailed complexity, often in a positive or neutral way

  • involved

    emphasises many connected elements or steps

  • tortuous

    similar meaning but even more negative, suggesting deliberately misleading twists

反義詞
  • simple

    easy to understand because it has few parts

  • straightforward

    clear and uncomplicated in structure

  • clear

    easy to follow because there is no confusion

用法筆記

Frequently modifies nouns for speech and writing: argument, explanation, plot, sentence, reasoning, system, process, rules. Carries a negative connotation — it implies unnecessary complexity, not just difficulty.

常見錯誤

❌The maths problem was convoluted.
✅The maths problem was complicated/difficult.
💡'Convoluted' suggests too many unnecessary parts, not just a hard problem.
❌a convoluted machine with many gears.
✅a complex machine with many gears.
💡For physical objects, use 'complex' unless the machine involves tangled wiring (sense 2).

2. having many twists, curves, or folds that give an irregular, winding form

2.形容詞C1
釋義

having many twists, curves, or folds that give an irregular, winding form

例句

The old water pipes under the house formed a convoluted maze of twists and turns.

collocation: convoluted [pipe / route / path / shape]

Keiko traced the convoluted ribbons of the river as it snaked through the valley below.

同義詞
  • twisted

    simpler, everyday word for something bent out of its normal shape

  • winding

    focuses on the path or route curving repeatedly, not on tangles

  • coiled

    suggests circular winding like a spring or rope

  • tangled

    implies things are mixed together messily, not just curved

反義詞
  • straight

    having no bends or curves

  • unwound

    not coiled or twisted around anything

用法筆記

Less common than the metaphorical sense; typically describes physical objects such as pipes, routes, wiring, or natural formations.

常見錯誤

❌The instructions were convoluted' (when meaning complicated).
✅The instructions were complicated.
💡For ideas or text, use sense 1; sense 2 refers to physical shape only.
❌a convoluted road ahead sign.
✅a winding road ahead sign.
💡'Convoluted' is too strong for gentle curves; it implies many irregular twists.