Unsure of the answer for this text completion question

GRE Verbal Problem Solving
1

Hey folks!
I came across this question in Test 15, Section 4 of the Big Book. It’s a text completion question. Question number 2.

Here’s the question:
Just as such apparently basic things as rocks, clouds,
and clams are, in fact, intricately structured entities,
so the self, too, is not an “elementary particle,” but
is ------- construction.
(A) a complicated
(B) a convoluted
(C) a distorted
(E) an illusory
(D) an amorphous

I chose B - a convoluted. But the correct answer says A - a complicated. My evidence for choosing convoluted was the word ‘intricately structured’ in the text. Convoluted and complicated are both synonyms of intricate but I am aware that there can’t be two correct answers.

Can someone help me understand why it’s A and not B? TIA. Good day :smile:

2

The answer to why we’re using Complicated instead of Convoluted is due to connotation.

Complicated stresses elaborate relationship between the parts while, Convoluted is different as it means twisted and thus difficult to follow.

You can see how Greg tackled it in here: Old GRE Walkthroughs - GregMat

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