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Full of knots; difficult to untangle or solve.
synonyms:tangledcomplex -
Intricately involved or difficult to understand.
synonyms:complicatedchallenging
The word 'knotty' originates from the Old English 'cnotta,' meaning 'a knot,' and has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something that is full of knots or entanglements, both literal and metaphorical.
Commonly used in everyday language to describe both physical objects, like wood, and abstract concepts, such as problems or situations.
While not used daily by everyone, 'knotty' often appears in discussions related to complex issues or descriptions of physical items, making it fairly common.
The knotty branches of the old tree made it difficult to climb.
She found the knotty math problem to be quite challenging, requiring multiple approaches to solve.
His knotty explanations left the audience more confused than enlightened.
The word 'knotty' brings to mind images of tangled ropes and intricate problems that seem impossible to unravel. With roots tracing back to Old English, it captures the essence of complexity in both nature and everyday life. Whether you're describing a piece of gnarled wood or a perplexing issue at work, 'knotty' adds a touch of flair to your vocabulary. Next time you encounter a puzzling situation, remember this word and the delightful twist it brings to the challenge!