knotty

• Qualifie une situation ou un problème particulièrement complexe, épineux ou difficile à résoudre, souvent plein de nœuds ou de complications.

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.

   difficile et complexe

   • 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.

   Synonymesbafflingbewilderingcomplexcomplicatedintricateperplexingproblematicpuzzlingthornytricky

   Antonymescleareasyplainsimplestraightforward

2. Covered with knotsB2formal

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

   couverte de nœuds

   • 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.

   Synonymesbumpygnarledknottedlumpynodular

   Antonymesclearevenflatsmooth

3. Intricate and deviousC1formal

   Highly complex and sometimes tricky or deceptive in nature.

   complexe et retors

   • 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.

   Synonymesbafflingcomplexcomplicatedconvolutedintricatelabyrinthineperplexingtangledthornytricky

   Antonymescleareasyguilelessplainsimplestraightforward

4. Tangled or snarledB2informal

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

   Emmêlé ou noué

   • 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.

   Synonymesknottedmattedsnarledtangled

   Antonymessmoothstraightuntangled