convoluted

/-vəʊ-/

Group 2Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Extremely complex and difficult to follow
GRE

Example in Context

The legislation's convoluted language made it nearly impossible for ordinary citizens to understand their rights under the new law.

Synonyms

complicatedtangledcomplex

Etymology

Means 'rolled together' in a complex way, now refers to complicated situations.

  • con- (Latin) — together
  • volvere (Latin) — to roll

Memory Aid

🌀Sounds like “convolute

Imagine trying to untangle a giant ball of yarn while saying, 'This is so CONVOLUTED!' — it's a mess!

Visual Association

🧩A jigsaw puzzle with pieces scattered everywhere, making it nearly impossible to complete.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “convoluted” mean on the GRE?

convoluted (adjective) means “Extremely complex and difficult to follow”. The legislation's convoluted language made it nearly impossible for ordinary citizens to understand their rights under the new law.

How to remember “convoluted” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “convoluted” sounds like “convolute”. Imagine trying to untangle a giant ball of yarn while saying, 'This is so CONVOLUTED!' — it's a mess!

What are synonyms for “convoluted”?

Common synonyms: complicated, tangled, complex.