Knotty: meaning, definitions and examples

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knotty

[ ˈnɒti ]

^{Context #1}

woodwork

Having many knots or gnarls; intricately twisted or convoluted.

Synonyms

convoluted, gnarled, twisted

Examples of usage

The knotty pine paneling gave the room a rustic feel.
The knotty texture of the old tree trunk made it difficult to carve.

^{Context #2}

problem

Complex and difficult to solve or untangle.

Synonyms

complex, complicated, tricky

Examples of usage

The situation presented a knotty problem that required careful consideration.
Her knotty dilemma left her feeling overwhelmed.

^{Context #3}

hair

Tangled or matted, typically describing hair.

Synonyms

matted, messy, tangled

Examples of usage

Her knotty hair was a result of neglecting to brush it for several days.
The wind had turned her once smooth hair into a knotty mess.

Translations

Translations of the word "knotty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emaranhado

🇮🇳 गांठदार

🇩🇪 verknotet

🇮🇩 kusut

🇺🇦 вузлуватий

🇵🇱 splątany

🇯🇵 結び目のある

🇫🇷 noueux

🇪🇸 anudado

🇹🇷 düğümlü

🇰🇷 매듭이 있는

🇸🇦 معقود

🇨🇿 zamotaný

🇸🇰 uzlovitý

🇨🇳 打结的

🇸🇮 vozlast

🇮🇸 hnúðótt

🇰🇿 түйінделген

🇬🇪 კვანძიანი

🇦🇿 düyünlü

🇲🇽 anudado

Word origin

The word 'knotty' originated from Middle English 'knottye', which comes from the Old English 'cnotta' meaning 'knot'. Its earliest uses were in reference to physical knots or gnarls, particularly in wood. Over time, the term evolved to also describe complex or difficult problems. The figurative use of 'knotty' to describe tangled or matted hair emerged later, likely drawing on the imagery of twisted knots. Today, 'knotty' is commonly used in various contexts to convey the idea of intricacy, complexity, or entanglement.