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Imbroglio: meaning, definitions and examples

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imbroglio

 

[ ɪmˈbroʊɡlioʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

complex situation

An imbroglio refers to a complicated and confusing situation, often involving intricate entanglements. It can describe a difficult dispute or a misunderstanding that is hard to resolve. The term is frequently used in discussions about legal matters, intricate plots, or social affairs that have become convoluted.

Synonyms

complication, entanglement, mess, quagmire

Examples of usage

  • The political imbroglio left the citizens bewildered.
  • After the corporate imbroglio, trust was scarce among the stakeholders.
  • She found herself in a romantic imbroglio that complicated her life.

Translations

Translations of the word "imbroglio" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embrollo

🇮🇳 उलझन

🇩🇪 Verwirrung

🇮🇩 kekacauan

🇺🇦 переплетення

🇵🇱 zamieszanie

🇯🇵 混乱

🇫🇷 imbroglio

🇪🇸 confusión

🇹🇷 karışıklık

🇰🇷 혼란

🇸🇦 فوضى

🇨🇿 zmatek

🇸🇰 zmätok

🇨🇳 混乱

🇸🇮 zmeda

🇮🇸 ruglingur

🇰🇿 араласу

🇬🇪 სირთულე

🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq

🇲🇽 confusión

Etymology

The word 'imbroglio' originates from the Italian term 'imbrogliarsi', which means 'to tangle or confuse'. The root 'brogliare' means 'to deceive or confuse', and 'im-' is a prefix that indicates a state of being in a confused or tangled situation. The term was adopted into English in the late 19th century and has since been used to describe various complex scenarios, particularly in political and dramatic contexts. Its usage emphasizes the convoluted nature of the circumstances described, often highlighting the difficulties in untangling or resolving the issues at hand. The term evokes a sense of intrigue and complexity, making it popular in literary and theatrical discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,507 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.