Definition Definition

oblique - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'oblique' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Oblique [ a.]
- Not erect or perpendicular; neither parallel to, nor at right angles from, the base; slanting; inclined.
- Not straightforward; indirect; obscure; hence, disingenuous; underhand; perverse; sinister.
- Not direct in descent; not following the line of father and son; collateral.
2 . Oblique [ n.]
- An oblique line.
3 . Oblique [ v. i.]
- To deviate from a perpendicular line; to move in an oblique direction.
- To march in a direction oblique to the line of the column or platoon; -- formerly accomplished by oblique steps, now by direct steps, the men half-facing either to the right or left.

Meaning of 'oblique' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . oblique [ a]
Meaning (1):
- slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled
Example in sentence:
  • acute and obtuse angles are oblique angles;
  • the axis of an oblique cone is not perpendicular to its base;
  • the oblique rays of the winter sun
2 . oblique [ s]
Meaning (2):
- indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading
Example in sentence:
  • gave oblique answers to direct questions;
  • oblique political maneuvers;
  • used devious means to achieve success