convoluted

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

convoluted — 形容詞

  • 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

繁複難懂

過於複雜而難以理解的

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.

律師那套繁複難懂的論證讓陪審團完全抓不到重點。

collocation: convoluted argument

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

Amara 把那份晦澀的合約讀了三遍，才明白自己的權益。

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

彎曲纏繞

形狀彎曲、不規則地纏繞

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.

房子底下的老舊水管形成了一個彎彎曲曲的迷宮。

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

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

Keiko 沿著蜿蜒曲折的河流，看著它在遠方的山谷裡穿梭。

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.