What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
convoluting
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were convoluted and hard to follow. [convoluted: adjective]
Example
The legal case was convoluting, with many different parties involved and complex legal arguments. [convoluting: present participle]
perplexing
Example
The math problem was so perplexing that I had to ask the teacher for help. [perplexing: adjective]
Example
I found his behavior to be very perplexing, as I couldn't understand why he was acting that way. [perplexing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perplexing is more commonly used than convoluting in everyday language. Perplexing is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while convoluting is less common and more specific to situations involving complex processes or systems.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between convoluting and perplexing?
Both convoluting and perplexing are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts. However, convoluting may be considered more technical or specialized than perplexing.