Word: oblique (adjective)

Associations

The word "oblique" means something that is not straight or direct. It can describe lines, angles, or even ways of speaking or writing that are indirect or not clear.

• In geometry: "The oblique angle is neither 90 degrees nor 180 degrees." Here, it means an angle that is slanted.
• In communication: "He gave an oblique answer to the question." This means the answer was not direct or clear.
• In anatomy: "The oblique muscles help move the torso." These muscles run at an angle, not straight. Synonym: "slanting" or "indirect." The difference is "oblique" often sounds more formal or technical, while "slanting" is more common for physical angles, and "indirect" is more common for communication.

Substitution

• Instead of "oblique" you can say "slanting" (for angles or lines).
• For indirect speech or writing, you can use "indirect," "roundabout," or "evasive."
• For muscles, "angled" or "diagonal" can sometimes work. Changing the word changes the tone: "oblique" sounds more formal or scientific.

Deconstruction

• Root: From Latin "obliquus," meaning "slanting" or "sideways."
• No prefix or suffix here, just the root adapted into English.
• The idea is something that is not straight or direct, but at an angle or indirect.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when someone gave you an oblique answer? What did they mean?
• How would you describe a road that is oblique?
• Can you find objects around you that have oblique lines or shapes? What are they?