Knotty: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
knotty
[ หnษti ]
woodwork
Having many knots or gnarls; intricately twisted or convoluted.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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knotty |
Usually used to describe something that is complex or difficult to solve. It can also describe something that is physically full of knots, like wood.
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gnarled |
Typically describes something that is twisted and rough in appearance, often used for trees or wood that look old and misshapen.
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twisted |
Can be used for something that is physically bent out of shape, but also commonly describes something morally corrupt or perverted. The meaning can be negative depending on the context.
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convoluted |
Most often used to describe something that is extremely complex and difficult to follow, like a very complicated plot or argument. Often has a negative connotation, implying unnecessary complexity.
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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.
problem
Complex and difficult to solve or untangle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
knotty |
Usually used to describe problems or situations that are very difficult to solve because they are tangled or twisted together. It can also describe wood that has many hard, cross-grained areas.
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complex |
Appropriate when describing something that has many parts that are intricately combined or interconnected, and requires time and effort to understand or solve. Commonly used in technical or abstract contexts.
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complicated |
Useful for describing something that has various elements and is difficult to understand or deal with due to its intricate details. Often implies a higher degree of difficulty.
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tricky |
Best used to describe a situation or task that is deceptive, requires careful handling, or has hidden issues that make it difficult. It can also imply that a situation requires skill or cleverness to navigate. Can carry a mildly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The situation presented a knotty problem that required careful consideration.
- Her knotty dilemma left her feeling overwhelmed.
hair
Tangled or matted, typically describing hair.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
knotty |
Typically used to describe something full of knots, either literally, like hair or ropes, or figuratively, referring to complicated and difficult situations.
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tangled |
Describes something twisted together in a messy way, often used for hair, wires, or situations that are confusing and complicated.
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matted |
Describes something that is tangled or densely packed together in a messy way, commonly used for hair or fur that has become clumped together.
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messy |
Used to describe a state of disorder or untidiness, not limited to physical appearance. It can refer to a place, a situation, or even a person.
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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:
๐ต๐น emaranhado
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคเค เคฆเคพเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช verknotet
๐ฎ๐ฉ kusut
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒัะทะปัะฒะฐัะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ splฤ tany
๐ฏ๐ต ็ตใณ็ฎใฎใใ
๐ซ๐ท noueux
๐ช๐ธ anudado
๐น๐ท dรผฤรผmlรผ
๐ฐ๐ท ๋งค๋ญ์ด ์๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุนููุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ zamotanรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ uzlovitรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๆ็ป็
๐ธ๐ฎ vozlast
๐ฎ๐ธ hnรบรฐรณtt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฏะนัะฝะดะตะปะณะตะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแซแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dรผyรผnlรผ
๐ฒ๐ฝ anudado
Etymology
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.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,460, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23457 entertainer
- 23458 metacarpal
- 23459 maths
- 23460 knotty
- 23461 uncivilized
- 23462 freaks
- 23463 scarves
- ...