anfractuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anfractuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is winding, intricate, or full of twists and turns, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The anfractuous path through the forest made the hike both challenging and exciting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And not just with anfractuous travel schedules (flight to Louisville, feeder flight to Canton, hour-and-a-half drive to lecture site; reverse procedure the following morning, which means that you will need to leave your motel at six-fifteen in order to catch the only flight that will get you securely to where you are headed).

The New Yorker

There, in my father's heart, an anfractuous line extended from the top left toward the bottom right.

The New York Times

Then, as the road resumed its anfractuous course, clinging to the extreme margin of this tumbled and chaotic coast, the fun began.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now he gives us a detailed evocation of the heart of Connemara, stretching westwards from Galway city, the area known as Cois Fharraige ("beside-the-sea"), up to Maam and down again to the villages, ports and the bewilderingly various archipelagos of that southern-facing coast which with some delight he describes as "anfractuous", a word borrowed from that great borrower TS Eliot.

The Guardian - Books

Some readers may also have a problem with the whiff of homophobia in the depictions of the Eighties gay scene; others may just retch at the characteristic semantic overload - maculate credenzas are swamped by anfractuous apophthegms amid prognathous rodomontade.

The Guardian - Books

More awesome than megatons are the megahours that these Red faithful have spent listening to repetitious, anfractuous, & opaque harangues.. What ardor must be expended by (say) the delegate from Chelyabinsk in maintaining the sedentary position as Comrade Khrushchev triumphantly turns the corner of the 4th hour of his speech and heads into the 5th?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anfractuous" when you want to convey a sense of intricate windings or rugged unevenness, adding a touch of sophistication to your writing. Be mindful of its relatively low frequency; ensure your audience will understand the term or provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "anfractuous" simply as a synonym for "winding" or "twisting". It often implies a more complex and potentially rugged or uneven quality, not just a simple curve. Ensure the context aligns with this nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

Anfractuous functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their winding, twisting, or uneven character. Ludwig examples show its use in describing travel schedules, lines, and roads, consistent with its definition. Ludwig AI indicates its proper grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "anfractuous" describes something winding, twisting, or uneven, often in a complex or intricate way. While grammatically correct and accepted according to Ludwig, it is not a commonly used word and is primarily found in news and media contexts. When using "anfractuous", consider whether a simpler alternative like "winding" or "complex" might be more appropriate for your audience. Ludwig's examples showcase its effectiveness in adding nuance to descriptions of both physical and abstract entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

winding

This is a more common and straightforward way to describe something that curves and turns.

twisting

Similar to "winding", this emphasizes the act of turning around a central point.

sinuous

This term suggests a graceful and flowing curve, similar to "anfractuous" but with a slightly different connotation.

meandering

This implies a casual and undirected winding path.

tortuous

This suggests a path or process that is complex, difficult, and full of twists and turns, similar to the more rugged sense of "anfractuous".

convoluted

This emphasizes the complexity and intricacy of something, often in a metaphorical sense.

labyrinthine

This compares something to a labyrinth, emphasizing its confusing and intricate nature.

serpentine

This evokes the image of a snake, suggesting a smooth, winding, and potentially dangerous path.

complex

A general term for something with many interconnected parts.

intricate

This highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "anfractuous" in a sentence?

You can use "anfractuous" to describe things that are winding, twisting, or full of complexities. For example, "The "anfractuous path" led through the forest" or "The novel's plot was "anfractuous and difficult to follow"".

What's a simpler word I can use instead of "anfractuous"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "winding", "twisting", "sinuous", or "complex". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "anfractuous" a common word?

No, "anfractuous" is not a common word. It is more frequently encountered in formal writing and literature. Consider your audience when deciding whether to use it.

What is the difference between "anfractuous" and "tortuous"?

While both words describe something winding and twisting, "anfractuous" often implies a more natural or physical characteristic, whereas "tortuous" can also suggest difficulty or pain. A road might be anfractuous, while a legal process might be tortuous.