Tortuous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
tortuous
[หtษหtสuษs ]
Definition
in describing a path or route
full of twists and turns; winding or curving in an intricate way. Marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns.
Synonyms
curving, meandering, serpentine, twisting, winding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tortuous |
This word is often used to describe a path, process, or route that is very complicated and full of twists and turns. It can also have a negative connotation, implying difficulty and complexity.
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| winding |
This word is appropriate for describing something that follows a route full of twists and turns, often in a gradual and scenic manner. It is common for roads, paths, and rivers.
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| twisting |
This word is used to describe something that twists or spirals. It is commonly used for roads, paths, and objects that have a lot of sudden turns or bends.
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| curving |
This word is best used when describing something that has a smooth, continuous bend. It often has a neutral or even aesthetically pleasing connotation.
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| serpentine |
This word is used to describe something that resembles a snake in form or movement, indicating a winding and often complicated shape or path. It can imply both complexity and grace.
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| meandering |
This word is ideal for describing something that moves or flows in a winding, lazy manner, often with many turns. It is often used for rivers and paths, and can imply a leisurely pace.
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Examples of usage
- The road through the mountains was tortuous, making the journey longer than expected.
- The river followed a tortuous path through the valley, creating a beautiful natural landscape.
- The tortuous trail led us through dense forest and steep hills.
- I had to navigate the tortuous maze of narrow streets in the old town.
- After hours of driving on the tortuous highway, we finally reached our destination.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In mathematics, a tortuous curve can refer to a line that doesnโt simply connect two points, showing complexity.
- In biology, some species have tortuous vascular systems that help with efficient blood flow despite their complicated paths.
- Geographical formations such as tortuous rivers can indicate land erosion and the evolving shape of landscapes.
Literature
- Authors often use tortuous plots to build suspense, keeping readers guessing until the end.
- Classic literature, like 'Moby Dick', contains tortuous narratives that require careful navigation through themes and symbols.
- It is also common to describe charactersโ motives as tortuous in stories, suggesting complexity and hidden agendas.
Psychology
- Our minds can have tortuous thought patterns, which may complicate decision-making and problem-solving.
- Tortuous emotional experiences often arise from unresolved conflicts, leading to extended personal growth journeys.
- Therapists might help clients unravel their tortuous thoughts to simplify their understanding of issues.
Everyday Life
- Navigating a tortuous mountain road can be challenging, requiring caution and skill.
- Metaphorically, opinions on complex topics can also be tortuous, requiring careful thought and consideration.
- In cooking, a tortuous recipe with many steps might take longer but can lead to delicious results!
Origin of 'tortuous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'tortuosus', which means 'full of twists'.
- The root 'torque' in Latin means 'to twist', highlighting the word's connection to curves and bends.
- It has been used in English since the 15th century, often describing both physical paths and complex ideas.
The word 'tortuous' originated from the Latin word 'tortuosus', which means full of twists and turns. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe something that is winding or twisting. Over the years, 'tortuous' has maintained its original meaning and is commonly used to depict a path, route, or process that is characterized by complexity and intricacy.