Oblique: meaning, definitions and examples

↗️

Add to dictionary

oblique

[ əˈbliːk ]

^{Context #1}

geometry

Neither parallel nor at a right angle to a specified or implied line; slanting.

Synonyms

inclined, slanting, tilted

Examples of usage

The oblique lines intersect at a point.
The oblique triangle has no right angles.

^{Context #2}

indirect

Not explicit or done in a direct way; indirectly stated or expressed.

Synonyms

ambiguous, indirect, roundabout

Examples of usage

She made an oblique reference to the issue during the meeting.
The politician's speech contained oblique criticism of his opponent.

^{Context #3}

anatomy

A muscle neither parallel nor perpendicular to the long axis of a body or limb.

Synonyms

abdominal muscle, side muscle

Examples of usage

The external oblique muscle is located on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen.
Exercises that target the obliques can help strengthen the core.

Translations

Translations of the word "oblique" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oblíquo

🇮🇳 तिरछा

🇩🇪 schräg

🇮🇩 miring

🇺🇦 косий

🇵🇱 skośny

🇯🇵 斜め (ななめ)

🇫🇷 oblique

🇪🇸 oblicuo

🇹🇷 eğik

🇰🇷 비스듬한

🇸🇦 مائل

🇨🇿 šikmý

🇸🇰 šikmý

🇨🇳 倾斜的 (qīngxié de)

🇸🇮 poševen

🇮🇸 skakkur

🇰🇿 қисық

🇬🇪 ციცაბო

🇦🇿 meyilli

🇲🇽 oblicuo

Word origin

The word 'oblique' comes from the Middle French word 'oblique', from the Latin 'obliquus', meaning 'slanting, sidelong, indirect'. The term has been used in geometry to describe lines that are neither parallel nor perpendicular since the 15th century. In anatomy, 'oblique' refers to muscles that are not parallel or perpendicular to the long axis of a limb or body. Over time, the word has also been adapted to describe indirect or ambiguous statements or references.