English vocabulary · C1
Oblique
/oʊˈbliːk/ · adj.
Oblique describes something that leans to one side, not straight or up and down. A roof, a line, or even an answer can be oblique.
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Example sentences
- The oblique roofline caught the evening light.
- Her oblique reply avoided the real question.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- obliquus — slanting (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SLANTED — tilted to one side (Tilted to One Side)
- INDIRECT — not going straight to the point (Not Going Straight to the Point)
- ANGLED — bent away from straight (Bent Away From Straight)
Similar words
- slanted
- indirect
- angled
Lesson notes
Oblique describes something that leans to one side, not straight or up and down. A roof, a line, or even an answer can be oblique.
Related: slanted, indirect, angled. Use oblique when a line or answer avoids being direct.
The oblique roofline caught the evening light. Her oblique reply avoided the real question.
From Latin. Obliquus- means slanting. A path that leans away from straight, never quite direct, that is oblique.