Words / B2

uh-BLEEK/əˈbliːk/

Oblique means not straight or not said directly: an oblique line; an oblique reference. Indirect is the essay twin; slanted is more physical. An oblique reference to the leak still needs a source. Mix-up: oblong is a rectangle; opaque is hard to see through (already elsewhere). Do not call a clear topic sentence oblique.

Meaning

Not straight; also not said directly (an oblique reference).

Examples

• “An oblique reference to the leak still needs a named source.”
• “Draw the oblique line at 45 degrees, which is the geometry sense.”

Good to know

an oblique + noun; obliquely. Essay twin: indirect. Trap: oblong / opaque. Language papers and maths. Not straight, in line or in wording.

Near in meaning

indirect

New