Definitions
- Describing a winding or curving path, such as a river or road. - Referring to a leisurely and indirect way of speaking or writing. - Talking about a relaxed and aimless walk or journey.
- Describing a path that is twisted, convoluted, or difficult to navigate. - Referring to a complicated or difficult process or situation. - Talking about a speech or argument that is excessively long and complex.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe paths or journeys that are not straightforward.
- 2Both words can be used to describe speech or writing that is indirect or convoluted.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
What is the difference?
- 1Shape: Meandering implies a gentle and flowing curve, while tortuous suggests a sharp and twisted turn.
- 2Ease: Meandering implies a relaxed and easy journey, while tortuous suggests a difficult and challenging one.
- 3Purpose: Meandering can be aimless or without a specific goal, while tortuous implies a purposeful but difficult journey.
- 4Connotation: Meandering has a more positive connotation, suggesting a pleasant and leisurely journey, while tortuous has a negative connotation, suggesting a difficult and unpleasant journey.
- 5Usage: Meandering is more commonly used in everyday language, while tortuous is more formal and less common.
Remember this!
Meandering and tortuous both describe paths or journeys that are not straightforward. However, the difference between them lies in their shape, ease, purpose, connotation, and usage. Meandering implies a gentle and flowing curve, a relaxed and easy journey, and a positive connotation, while tortuous suggests a sharp and twisted turn, a difficult and challenging journey, and a negative connotation. Additionally, meandering is more commonly used in everyday language, while tortuous is more formal and less common.
