Oblique
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Learn This WordMeaning
Not explicit or direct; slanting, indirect, or deviating from the straightforward path.
Memory trick
OBLIQUE looks like it leans, the word itself feels slanted and indirect.
Examples
He made an oblique reference to the budget cuts without naming them.
The article takes an oblique approach to a deeply political issue.
Her oblique answer made everyone more curious.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin obliquus "slanting, sideways, indirect."
Usage Notes
Useful for speech, writing, angles, or approaches that are indirect rather than direct.
Real-life contexts
Use in feedback: "This paragraph is too oblique for a product doc."
Use in analysis: "He made only oblique mention of the risk."
Use in writing: "Oblique humor works when the audience can follow the signal."
Common Mistakes
Oblique doesn’t always mean unclear; it often means intentionally indirect.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
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