Let’s sort out the difference between these two adjectives: when a set of things is described as assorted, it usually means the set consists of different or various kinds, but that all kinds belong in the same broad category (assorted flavors; assorted crackers). When something is described as miscellaneous, a lack of order or commonality is emphasized—and randomness may be implied. In a miscellaneous set, things of different kinds or natures are mixed together (a book of miscellaneous essays on American history). Each item may be in some way different from all the others (a miscellaneous assortment of furniture), or not fit into an existing classification (miscellaneous expenses).

We’ll try to keep this simple: the adjective complicated can be used to describe things that are very intricate and complex (a complicated apparatus for measuring brain functions) or things that are difficult to  understand or explain (a complicated subject). The synonym convoluted is most commonly used to describe stories, plots, or thought processes that are difficult to follow and perhaps even a bit dizzying in all their twists and turns (a convoluted way of describing a simple device). The word’s still-current literal meaning, after all, is “coiled” or “twisted.” There are good reasons a snail’s shell is convoluted, but in the more common, figurative use of convoluted, the word often suggests that something is unnecessarily complex or complicated to a fault.

Let’s get going on this pair of verbs. Both proceed and move cover the idea of going or passing from one place to another. However, by itself, move does not indicate direction (She moved out of his way; Get a move on!), whereas proceed means to move forward or onward (The parade proceeded down Main Street). Another distinguishing characteristic of proceed is that it often implies continuing after a halt: After a pitstop, they proceeded on their way. If you sometimes confuse proceed and precede, differentiating their prefixes can help. Pre- means “before” (in space or time). The directional aspect of proceed comes from its Latin prefix pro-, which means “forward” or “forth.”