Sinuous: meaning, definitions and examples

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sinuous

 

[ หˆsษชnjuษ™s ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

snake-like

Having many curves and turns; winding in a serpentine or wavy form.

Synonyms

curving, serpentine, winding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sinuous

Used to describe something that has many smooth and graceful curves or bends. Often used to convey elegance or beauty in the shape.

  • The sinuous lines of the dancer's body were mesmerizing; The road followed the sinuous path of the river
winding

Best for describing paths, roads, or rivers that loop and twist over a distance. It typically emphasizes the length and number of turns.

  • We took a winding road to the top of the mountain; The winding river nestled between the hills was a beautiful sight
curving

Appropriate for general descriptions of anything that bends gradually without sharp turns. Often used in more neutral contexts.

  • The curving street led us back to the main road; She admired the curving lines of the new sculpture
serpentine

Used to describe something that has a snake-like quality, often implying complexity or intricacy. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it suggests something tricky or devious.

  • The serpentine path through the gardens made it easy to get lost; The politician's serpentine reasoning was hard to follow

Examples of usage

  • The river followed a sinuous path through the forest.
  • Her sinuous movements on the dance floor captivated the audience.
  • The snake moved with sinuous grace through the grass.
Context #2 | Adjective

complex

Intricate and complex, often in a way that is difficult to follow or understand.

Synonyms

convoluted, intricate, twisting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sinuous

Used to describe something with many curves and turns, often with a graceful or flowing appearance. Commonly applied to natural forms like rivers or bodies.

  • The hikers followed the sinuous path through the forest.
  • Her sinuous movements made the dance mesmerizing to watch.
intricate

Used for something that is very detailed and complex, often involving many small parts working together. This term is neutral to positive and can describe designs, mechanisms, or stories.

  • The artist's work is known for its intricate patterns.
  • The novel's plot is intricate, with many interwoven subplots.
convoluted

Often used to describe something that is extremely complex and difficult to understand, sometimes excessively so. This term can carry a negative connotation when referring to explanations, plans, or arguments.

  • The instructions were so convoluted that no one could follow them.
  • He gave a convoluted explanation that only confused everyone further.
twisting

Describes something that moves in a turning or spiraling manner, commonly used for physical movements or paths. It can indicate a more dramatic or forceful change of direction compared to 'sinuous'.

  • The twisting road up the mountain made driving difficult.
  • She watched the twisting vines grow around the trellis.

Examples of usage

  • The plot of the movie was sinuous, with unexpected twists and turns.
  • Her sinuous reasoning led to a confusing conclusion.
  • The sinuous patterns on the fabric were mesmerizing.
Context #3 | Adjective

fluid motion

Moving in a smooth, flowing manner with grace and elegance.

Synonyms

elegant, fluid, graceful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sinuous

This word is best used to describe something that has many curves and bends, often in a way that is smooth and aesthetically pleasing. It can describe physical forms such as roads, rivers, or even body movements.

  • The sinuous path through the forest added an element of adventure to our hike.
  • Her sinuous dance movements captivated everyone in the room.
graceful

This word describes movement that is smooth, beautiful, and elegant. Often used to compliment someone's physical movements or artistic performances.

  • The ballerina's performance was graceful and mesmerizing.
  • Despite his age, he climbed the stairs with a graceful ease.
fluid

Best used to describe movement that is smooth and continuous, like liquid. Can also refer to ideas or situations that are flexible and adaptable.

  • His fluid motions on the basketball court made it look easy.
  • The conversation flowed in a fluid manner, with everyone contributing their thoughts effortlessly.
elegant

Use this word to describe something that is refined, tasteful, and sophisticated. Often used in contexts related to fashion, design, art, and manners.

  • She wore an elegant black dress to the gala.
  • The elegant architecture of the old building was breathtaking.

Examples of usage

  • The ballet dancer's sinuous movements were like poetry in motion.
  • The gymnast executed a sinuous routine with precision and skill.
  • The silk scarf floated in sinuous waves in the air.

Translations

Translations of the word "sinuous" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sinuoso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเคนเคฐเคฆเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช geschwungen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berkelok-kelok

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฒะธะฒะธัั‚ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ krฤ™ty

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ›ฒใŒใ‚ŠใใญใฃใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sinueux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sinuoso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kฤฑvrฤฑmlฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตฌ๋ถˆ๊ตฌ๋ถˆํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุชุนุฑุฌ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ klikatรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kฤพukatรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่œฟ่œ’็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vijugast

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bugรฐรณtt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธั€ะตะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ–แƒแƒ’แƒแƒกแƒแƒงแƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qฤฑvrฤฑm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sinuoso

Etymology

The word 'sinuous' has its origins in the late Middle English period, deriving from the Latin word 'sinuosus,' meaning full of windings or turns. The concept of sinuosity has been associated with various natural forms, such as rivers, snakes, and dance movements, highlighting the graceful and winding nature of the word.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,069, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.