Obliquing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Art

• In painting, obliquing can produce dynamic composition, leading the viewer's eye across the canvas in unexpected ways.
• Famous artists like Vincent van Gogh used oblique lines to create movement and emotion in their works.
• French impressionists frequently employed oblique brush strokes to capture the essence of light and motion.

Psychology

• In communication, using indirect or oblique messages can be a way to avoid confrontation, showing a preference for subtlety over directness.
• Research suggests people may prefer oblique communication in certain contexts to maintain harmony in relationships.
• Understanding indirect cues can be essential in social settings, as it shapes interpersonal interactions.

Geometry

• Oblique triangles have one angle that is not a right angle, which differentiates them from right triangles and influences their properties.
• They can provide insights into trigonometric relationships that are essential in engineering and architecture.
• Oblique projections in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) demonstrate how off-angled objects can be rendered on a flat surface.

Literature

• Writers often use oblique narratives to create suspense, revealing information in a sidelong manner that keeps the reader guessing.
• Subtle hints or oblique references can enhance storytelling, prompting readers to think more deeply about the themes.
• Classics like 'Moby Dick' incorporate oblique storytelling techniques to explore varied perspectives on obsession and fate.

Main points about word origin

• The term originates from the Latin word 'obliquus,' meaning slanting or sideways.
• It has been used in English since the early 17th century, primarily in geometry and strategy.
• In mathematics, oblique angles are any angles that are not 90 degrees, adding complexity to shapes and designs.

The term 'oblique' has its origins in the Latin word 'obliquus', which means 'slanting' or 'inclined'. This Latin term passed into Middle English in the 14th century as 'oblique', retaining its geometrical and anatomical meanings. The concept of 'obliquing', while not as frequently used in standard English, derives from the need to describe targeted physical exercises that specifically engage the oblique muscles. As fitness culture evolved, especially in the late 20th century, the terminology surrounding exercise became more specialized, leading to the creation of words like 'obliquing' to describe specific workouts geared towards defined muscle groups. This has increasingly become popular among fitness enthusiasts and personal trainers.