Askew: meaning, definitions and examples

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askew

 

[ əˈskjuː ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

in a crooked or asymmetric position

Not in a straight or level position; crooked; askew. Synonyms: crooked, tilted, uneven.

Synonyms

crooked, tilted, uneven

Examples of usage

  • The picture on the wall was askew.
  • She wore her hat at a jaunty angle, slightly askew.
Context #2 | Adverb

not in a straight or level position

In a crooked or asymmetric position; awry. Synonyms: crookedly, lopsidedly.

Synonyms

crookedly, lopsidedly

Examples of usage

  • The frame hung askew on the wall.
  • The painting was hanging askew.

Translations

Translations of the word "askew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 torto

🇮🇳 झुका हुआ

🇩🇪 schief

🇮🇩 miring

🇺🇦 кривий

🇵🇱 krzywy

🇯🇵 傾いている

🇫🇷 incliné

🇪🇸 torcido

🇹🇷 eğik

🇰🇷 비스듬한

🇸🇦 مائل

🇨🇿 nakloněný

🇸🇰 naklonený

🇨🇳 倾斜的

🇸🇮 nagnjen

🇮🇸 skakkur

🇰🇿 қисық

🇬🇪 ხლართული

🇦🇿 eğilmiş

🇲🇽 torcido

Etymology

The word 'askew' originated from the Old Norse word 'ǫskjǫr', meaning 'to one side' or 'aside'. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. The concept of something being askew implies a sense of imbalance or asymmetry, which is reflected in its various definitions and usage.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,655, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.