oblique
/əˈbliːk/
ADJECTIVE
1. Slanting or inclined
Not erect or perpendicular; neither parallel to, nor at right angles from, the base; slanting; inclined.
1.1. Angled or sloping position
Describes something positioned, directed, or extending at an angle rather than being horizontal, vertical, or perpendicular.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The artist used oblique lines to create a sense of movement in the painting.
- The oblique rays of the setting sun cast long shadows across the landscape.
Related Words
- slope
- gradient
- inclination
- angle
- tilt
- diagonal
- orientation
1.2. Uneven or asymmetrical shape
Describes something that is irregular, unbalanced, or asymmetrical in shape, alignment, or arrangement.
Synonyms
- asymmetric
- asymmetrical
- unsymmetrical
- uneven
- irregular
- lopsided
- askew
- skewed
- distorted
- unbalanced
Antonyms
Examples
- The oblique shape of the structure gave the building an unusual appearance.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
2. Indirect or not straightforward
Not straightforward; indirect; obscure; hence, disingenuous; underhand; perverse; sinister.
2.1. Indirect communication or expression
Expressing thoughts, opinions, or intentions indirectly rather than stating them clearly and explicitly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Sarah's oblique comment hinted at her true feelings without directly stating them.
- The writer employed oblique references to historical events to add depth to the novel.
Related Words
- innuendo
- implication
- allusion
- ambiguity
- subtlety
- evasion
- circumlocution
2.2. Devious or dishonest behavior
Describes actions, intentions, or methods that are deliberately indirect, deceptive, evasive, or underhanded.
Synonyms
- devious
- underhanded
- dishonest
- sly
- cunning
- crafty
- duplicitous
- deceitful
- shifty
- crooked
Antonyms
- honest
- straightforward
- forthright
- frank
- candid
- aboveboard
Examples
- The detective took note of the suspect's oblique answers during questioning.
Related Words
- deception
- subterfuge
- duplicity
- evasion
- intrigue
- manipulation
- guile
ADJECTIVE
3. Collateral or indirect descent
Not direct in descent; not following the line of father and son; collateral.
3.1. Collateral family relationship
Describes a family relationship or line of descent that is not directly descended from one another but connected through a common ancestor.
Synonyms
- collateral
- indirect
- side
- lateral
Antonyms
- direct
- lineal
- linear
- direct-line
Examples
- The inheritance law recognized his oblique relationship to the deceased through a collateral family line.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
4. Grammatical case other than the nominative
Pertaining to the oblique case, which is a grammatical case other than the nominative.
4.1. Non-nominative grammatical case
Describes a grammatical form or case used for a noun or pronoun in functions other than the subject position, such as an object or the complement of a preposition.
Synonyms
- non-nominative
- objective
Antonyms
- nominative
- subjective
Examples
- The pronoun appears in its oblique form when it functions as the object of a verb.
Related Words
- grammar
- syntax
- case
- declension
- accusative
- dative
- genitive
ADJECTIVE
5. Indirect speech or narration
Of speech or narration, indirect, employing the actual words of the speaker as related by a third person, with grammatical changes such as converting first-person pronouns and present-time adverbs into third-person and past forms.
5.1. Reported or indirect speech
Describes a form of narration that reports someone's words or thoughts indirectly, with appropriate changes in pronouns, verb forms, and expressions of time.
Synonyms
- indirect
- reported
- objective
Antonyms
Examples
- The novel uses oblique narration to convey the character's thoughts through another person's account.