Oblique
/əˈbliːk/
adjectivenounC1
Definition
Oblique describes something that is at an angle, not straight up and down or side to side. It can also mean something said or done in a way that is not clear or direct, often hinting at something without saying it openly.
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See It in Action
At an angle; not perpendicular or parallel
- •The oblique line crossed the page from corner to corner.
- •Architects often use oblique angles in modern building designs.
- •The sun’s rays hit the earth at an oblique angle during sunrise.
Indirect or not straightforward in speech or behavior
- •He made an oblique comment about the problem without naming it.
- •Her oblique refusal made me wonder if she really disagreed.
- •The politician gave an oblique answer to avoid the question.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "oblique" like "slant" (A2 word), but used in more formal or exact situations, especially in geometry or speech
- ✓Picture a line that is not vertical (straight up) or horizontal (straight across), but leaning or slanting gently
- ✓It's the feeling when someone talks around a subject instead of saying it clearly, like giving a hint without telling everything
- ✓Sounds like "oh-BLEEK" → Imagine a line or word that "bleaks" (sounds like "bleak") by not being clear or straight, but hidden or angled
- ✓Imagine the hands of a clock at 10:10—they are oblique, not straight up or down
- ✓NOT like "straight" (which is direct and clear); oblique is slanted or indirect
- ✓NOT like "direct" (clear and open); oblique can mean indirect or unclear communication
Try Other Words
- •Angled: at an angle (Use when describing physical objects with a clear angle)
- •Indirect: not direct or clear (Use when describing speech or behavior that avoids saying something openly)
- •Slant: leaning or tilted (Use for simple physical or opinion-related leaning)
Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: From Latin "obliquus" meaning slanting or sideways
- •Etymology: Latin origin, used since the 16th century in English to describe slanting lines or indirect speech
- •Historical development: Originally used for physical angles, later also for indirect or unclear expressions
- •Modern usage: Used in math and geometry for angles, and in everyday language for indirect or hidden meanings
Reflect & Connect
•How can understanding the meaning of oblique help you notice when someone is not being direct in conversation?
•Can you think of situations where using oblique language is better than being direct? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.The oblique angle made the building’s roof ___ from the usual flat style.
2.When asked about the mistake, she gave an oblique answer that ___ the real problem.
3.Unlike a straight line, an oblique line ___ at a slant or angle.
4.His oblique comment was hard to understand because it did not ___ the main issue.
5.The sun’s rays hit the surface at an oblique angle, causing ___ shadows.
6.In geometry, an oblique triangle has no right angles, so all sides are ___.
7.The politician’s oblique reply made it clear he wanted to ___ the question.