knotty

• Beschreibt eine Situation oder ein Problem, das kompliziert, schwierig oder verwickelt zu lösen ist. Bezieht sich auch auf Holz mit vielen Knoten oder auf etwas, das voller Schwierigkeiten steckt.

Describes a problem or situation that is complex, difficult, or puzzling to solve.

1. Difficult or complexC1formal

   Extremely challenging to understand, solve, or deal with.

   Verzwickt

   • The detective faced a knotty problem that took weeks to unravel.
   • This is a knotty issue that requires careful consideration.
   • The negotiations became knotty when new demands were introduced.

   Synonymebafflingbewilderingcomplexcomplicatedintricateperplexingproblematicpuzzlingthornytricky

   Antonymecleareasyplainsimplestraightforward

2. Covered with knotsB2formal

   Having many hard, lumpy growths or protrusions, typically on wood or an old person's hands.

   Astig

   • The old oak tree had knotty branches that twisted in every direction.
   • His knotty fingers showed years of hard labor.
   • The carpenter chose a piece of knotty pine for the rustic table.

   Synonymebumpygnarledknottedlumpynodular

   Antonymeclearevenflatsmooth

3. Intricate and deviousC1formal

   Highly complex and sometimes tricky or deceptive in nature.

   Verzwickt und hinterhältig

   • The plot of the novel was so knotty that readers had to pay close attention.
   • He devised a knotty scheme to outwit his competitors.
   • The political situation became increasingly knotty with each new revelation.

   Synonymebafflingcomplexcomplicatedconvolutedintricatelabyrinthineperplexingtangledthornytricky

   Antonymecleareasyguilelessplainsimplestraightforward

4. Tangled or snarledB2informal

   Twisted or tangled into knots, often referring to hair, thread, or similar materials.

   Verknotet

   • Her hair was so knotty after the windy walk that it took an hour to brush.
   • The fishing line became knotty and impossible to untangle.
   • He struggled with the knotty ropes that held the boat to the dock.

   Synonymeknottedmattedsnarledtangled

   Antonymesmoothstraightuntangled