What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
convoluted
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were so convoluted that I had to ask for help. [convoluted: adjective]
Example
The plot of the movie was so convoluted that I couldn't follow it. [convoluted: adjective]
intricate
Example
The lace on her dress was so intricate that it must have taken hours to make. [intricate: adjective]
Example
The watchmaker's job requires a lot of skill to work with such intricate mechanisms. [intricate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intricate is more commonly used than convoluted in everyday language. Intricate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while convoluted is less common and refers to a specific type of complexity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between convoluted and intricate?
Both convoluted and intricate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but intricate may be more appropriate in formal writing due to its positive connotation.
