convoluted
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “convoluted” mean?
adjective.extremely complex and difficult to follow.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages discussing complex narratives, intricate arguments, or elaborate theories. It emphasizes not only the complexity but also the confusion that can arise from such intricacy, distinguishing it from words like "complicated," which may not imply the same level of difficulty in understanding.
Common Confusions
Convoluted implies extreme complexity that creates confusion, while complicated usually suggests a challenging nature without necessarily implying the same level of difficulty in understanding.
Example Sentences
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The convoluted instructions left most users more confused than before.
Word Parts: How to Remember “convoluted”
Break “convoluted” into its parts: co- (together, with) + -volv- (roll, turn). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
co-together, with (Latin) -
Root:
-volv-roll, turn (Latin)