contortion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Formal; commonly used in descriptive writing, journalism, and discussions of physical performance or figurative language.
Quick answer
What does “contortion” mean?
The act of twisting or bending something, especially the body, into an unnatural or unusual shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of twisting or bending something, especially the body, into an unnatural or unusual shape.
A state of being twisted or distorted; a complex or twisted form or argument that is often forced and unnatural.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with circus or performance arts in popular culture in both regions.
Frequency
Equally infrequent in everyday speech in both varieties, used in similar contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “contortion” in a Sentence
contortion of [abstract noun: truth, logic, facts]contortion into [shape/form][verb: perform, execute, achieve] a contortionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contortion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The barrister contorted the evidence to suit his defence.
- Her face contorted with disgust at the proposal.
American English
- The politician contorted the statistics to support his claim.
- His body contorted in pain after the impact.
adverb
British English
- He smiled contortedly, masking his true feelings.
- The pipe was bent contortedly around the obstacle.
American English
- She argued contortedly, tying herself in logical knots.
- The cable ran contortedly through the old wall.
adjective
British English
- She had a wonderfully contortionist talent.
- The contorted branches of the ancient tree were eerie.
American English
- The contortionist act was the highlight of the circus.
- He gave a contorted explanation that satisfied no one.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may be used metaphorically: 'The report required contortions of data to fit the desired narrative.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, philosophy, or political science to describe strained arguments: 'the contortions of post-modernist theory'.
Everyday
Mostly used for physical descriptions: 'Yoga involves some serious contortions.'
Technical
Used in anatomy, physiotherapy, or performance arts to describe extreme joint mobility or spinal twisting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contortion”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contortion”
- Confusing with 'contraption' (a device). Mispronouncing as /kɒnˈtɔːr.ti.ən/. Using it as a verb (the verb is 'contort').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while the primary meaning is physical, it is frequently used figuratively to describe twisted arguments, logic, or language.
'Contortion' emphasizes the act of twisting/bending, often deliberately. 'Distortion' focuses more on the result – something being pulled out of its true shape or meaning, often with negative connotations (e.g., distortion of sound, truth).
Yes, it's the standard term for a performer who specializes in twisting their body into unusual positions, common in circuses and variety shows.
In physical contexts, it can be neutral or positive, suggesting skill and flexibility (e.g., an amazing contortion). In figurative use, it is almost always negative, implying something forced, unnatural, and dishonest.
The act of twisting or bending something, especially the body, into an unnatural or unusual shape.
Contortion is usually neutral to formal; commonly used in descriptive writing, journalism, and discussions of physical performance or figurative language. in register.
Contortion: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtɔː.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtɔːr.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “contortions of logic”
- “verbal contortions”
- “legal contortions”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TORTOISE whose neck is in a painful CONTORTION when it tries to look backwards. CON-TORTION.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT/LOGIC IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT CAN BE TWISTED (e.g., 'contorting the facts').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'contortion' LEAST likely to be used?