Tortuously

In a manner characterized by twists, turns, or complexities; in a way that is excessively long, complicated, or indirect. This implies difficulty in following or understanding something, either physically in terms of a winding path or route, or conceptually in terms of intricate reasoning, narratives, or processes. It suggests a departure from a direct or straightforward approach, often creating a sense of frustration or confusion due to the added layers of intricacy. The word highlights the presence of numerous obstacles, delays, or deviations from the expected course, path, or argument. This includes metaphorical applications, depicting convoluted legal proceedings, winding rivers, or complex plot lines, with each example showing a divergence from a simpler route.

Tortuously meaning with examples

• The river, known for its unpredictable currents, meandered tortuously through the valley, its winding path carved by centuries of erosion. Its many bends and curves made navigation a challenge, but offered stunning, intricate views. The terrain around it was difficult to traverse and required special consideration to maintain its stability and safety. Kayaking, for many, turned into an exercise of endurance and patience, navigating its many twists.
• The lawyer presented his case tortuously, using complicated legal jargon and convoluted arguments to confuse the jury. He took hours to make a simple point. His goal was clearly to outmaneuver the opposition, or to win by exhaustion and to wear the jury down, with a lot of technicalities. Despite the convoluted nature of his statements, the key issues eventually became obvious and the jury gave a decision.
• The plot of the novel, with its many betrayals and hidden motives, unfolded tortuously, keeping readers guessing until the final chapter. Characters acted in mysterious ways and events transpired in unforeseen, unconventional patterns that frustrated some. However, the complexity resulted in an unpredictable page-turner, as the mystery unraveled, and secrets were revealed in slow motion
• The government's regulatory process often operates tortuously, with multiple layers of bureaucracy and numerous approval stages. This inefficiency results in delays and frustration for businesses and individuals, who are often left confused and struggling to meet the requirements. This tangled web of regulations adds to the complexity and consumes an enormous amount of resources.