What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gnarled
Example
The old oak tree had gnarled branches that looked like twisted fingers. [gnarled: adjective]
Example
Her gnarled fingers struggled to grip the pen. [gnarled: adjective]
Example
The hiker stumbled on the gnarled roots of the tree. [gnarled: adjective]
knotty
Example
The carpenter selected a knotty piece of wood for his project. [knotty: adjective]
Example
The issue of climate change is a knotty problem that requires global cooperation. [knotty: adjective]
Example
She spent hours trying to untangle her knotty hair. [knotty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Knotty is more commonly used than gnarled in everyday language. Knotty is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gnarled is less common and refers to specific natural objects or physical characteristics of a person.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gnarled and knotty?
Both gnarled and knotty are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations or creative writing. However, gnarled may be slightly more formal due to its association with nature and physical characteristics of a person.
