Obliqued Meaning: Definition and Examples

Mathematics

• In geometry, an oblique angle is one that is not a right angle, either acute or obtuse.
• Oblique triangles have sides that can be all different lengths and angles, making them particularly unique in design.
• Vectors can be described as oblique when they do not align directly with the axes, causing interesting calculations in physics.

Art & Aesthetics

• Artists often use oblique lines to create perspective and depth in their compositions.
• The oblique style in literature refers to indirect methods of storytelling, often leaving much to interpretation.
• Visual art that employs obliqued shapes can evoke feelings of movement and dynamism, making pieces significantly more engaging.

Architecture

• Oblique structures often suggest modernity, breaking conventional rectangular forms to create visually striking buildings.
• Angular designs, which often include oblique features, are common in many popular architectural movements, including Deconstructivism.
• The use of oblique elements in architecture can maximize light and space, creating a dynamic living experience.

Psychology

• The concept of obliquity can also apply to social behavior, where people approach situations indirectly rather than straightforwardly.
• Oblique thinking encourages creativity by suggesting that the solution to a problem may lie outside the traditional direct approach.
• This method often leads to innovative outcomes as individuals explore pathways that are not immediately evident.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'oblique' comes from the Latin term 'obliquus,' which means 'slanting' or 'indirect.'
• In English, 'oblique' was first used in the late 14th century to describe angles in geometry.
• The prefix 'ob-' means 'against' or 'toward,' while 'lique' relates to slanting positions.

The term 'obliqued' originates from the Latin word 'obliquus', which means 'lying across' or 'slanting'. This Latin root descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *lewk-, meaning 'to bend, turn'. The term evolved through the Middle English 'oblique', which retained much of the original meaning. The adoption of 'oblique' in English was influenced by its use in Latin texts on geometry and philosophy, where it described angles and positions that deviate from the standard horizontal or vertical orientations. Over time, the adjective 'oblique' began to be used more broadly across various fields, including art and literature, to describe indirect or elusive approaches and representations.