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Oblique: meaning, definitions and examples

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oblique

 

[əˈbliːk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

geometry

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

Synonyms

inclined, slanting, tilted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oblique

Typically used in a formal or technical context to describe an angle that is not 90 degrees, or to refer to indirect or evasive communication.

  • The lines intersect at an oblique angle.
  • His oblique comments made it difficult to understand his true intentions.
slanting

Commonly used to describe something that is angled in a way that is not straight, often in an informal or descriptive context.

  • The roof of the house was slanting to one side.
  • Her handwriting was slanting, making it difficult to read.
tilted

Used to describe an object that has been moved or adjusted to a slanting position, or to indicate a bias towards something.

  • He tilted his head to listen more closely.
  • The picture frame was tilted slightly to the right.
inclined

Often used to describe a general tendency or preference for something, or to refer to a surface that slopes.

  • She is inclined to believe his story.
  • The ramp was slightly inclined to allow for easier access.

Examples of usage

  • The oblique lines intersect at a point.
  • The oblique triangle has no right angles.
Context #2 | Adjective

indirect

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

Synonyms

ambiguous, indirect, roundabout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oblique

Used when something is not stated directly or is at an angle, often in a more formal or technical context.

  • Her response was oblique, leaving us uncertain about her true feelings.
  • The architect designed the building with several oblique lines for aesthetic appeal.
indirect

Best used when referring to communication that does not straightforwardly address a topic or when something is not the direct cause. It can be neutral or slightly negative if implying avoidance.

  • He took an indirect approach to criticize the proposal, hoping to soften the impact.
  • The effects of the policy were indirect but nonetheless significant.
roundabout

Utilized when describing something that is not direct, often in a more informal or conversational setting. It implies a longer or less straightforward path.

  • She gave me a roundabout answer to my simple question.
  • We took a roundabout route to avoid the traffic on the main road.
ambiguous

Appropriate when referring to something that can be interpreted in multiple ways or is unclear. Often used in contexts where precision is necessary but lacking.

  • The instructions were ambiguous, leading to a lot of confusion among the team.
  • His ambiguous statements made it hard to understand what he truly meant.

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 | Noun

anatomy

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

Synonyms

abdominal muscle, side muscle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oblique

Used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe the muscles on the sides of the abdomen. May also be used in geometry to describe angles that are not right angles.

  • The oblique muscles are important for stabilizing the core.
  • In geometry, an oblique line is neither parallel nor at a right angle to a given line.
abdominal muscle

Commonly used in fitness, anatomy, and medical contexts to refer to any of the muscles in the abdomen area. Often used when referring to exercises or injuries.

  • Strengthening your abdominal muscles can improve posture.
  • He strained an abdominal muscle during his workout.
side muscle

A less technical term usually used in casual or fitness contexts to refer to the muscles on the sides of the abdomen. It's understood but less specific than 'oblique' or 'abdominal muscle.'

  • You can feel your side muscles working when you do side bends.
  • She noticed her side muscles were sore after the yoga class.

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

Etymology

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.

See also: obliquely.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,711 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.