contortionist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Informal (figurative use)
Quick answer
What does “contortionist” mean?
A performer who twists their body into unnatural and extreme positions, typically as part of an acrobatic or circus act.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A performer who twists their body into unnatural and extreme positions, typically as part of an acrobatic or circus act.
A person who displays extreme flexibility in their body or, metaphorically, in their thinking, principles, or arguments to suit a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences.
Connotations
Identical connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “contortionist” in a Sentence
[contortionist] + [verb: performs, twists, bends][adjective] + [contortionist]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contortionist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The act involved contorting into a small box.
- He can contort his body remarkably.
American English
- She contorted herself through the tennis racket.
- Politicians often contort the truth.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; use 'contortedly' with caution: 'He moved contortedly through the obstacle.']
American English
- [Not standard; use 'in a contorted manner' or 'contortedly' rarely.]
adjective
British English
- Her contortionist abilities were astounding.
- The contortionist act was the highlight.
American English
- He has a contortionist-level flexibility.
- The report was a contortionist masterpiece of spin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used metaphorically: 'The CEO was a financial contortionist, making the losses look like profits.'
Academic
Rare; used in performance studies or metaphorically in rhetoric/critical thinking.
Everyday
Common in literal context (circus/entertainment); figurative use understood.
Technical
Specific to circus arts and physical performance disciplines.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contortionist”
- Misspelling as 'contorsionist'.
- Using 'contortioner' (non-standard).
- Confusing with 'acrobat' (contortionist is a specific subtype).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both require flexibility, a contortionist specializes in extreme, often unnatural-looking bends and twists for performance art. A gymnast focuses on strength, power, and dynamic movements on apparatus.
Literally, yes ('an amazing contortionist'). Metaphorically, it is almost always negative, implying dishonest distortion or unnatural compromise.
The verb is 'to contort', meaning to twist or bend out of its normal shape.
It is more common in journalistic, political, or critical writing. It's moderately formal and is used for rhetorical effect.
A performer who twists their body into unnatural and extreme positions, typically as part of an acrobatic or circus act.
Contortionist: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtɔː.ʃən.ɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtɔːr.ʃən.ɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not directly applicable; the word itself is used metaphorically in phrases like 'political contortionist' or 'logical contortionist']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONtortIONIST = someone who puts their body in CONstant TORTION (twisting).
Conceptual Metaphor
FLEXIBILITY IS MORAL/LOGICAL COMPROMISE (in negative figurative use).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, a 'contortionist' is someone who: