What does obliquely mean?
Obliquely means at an angle rather than in a straight line, and it can also describe speech or conduct that is indirect or evasive. A path may run obliquely across a landscape, while a person may look obliquely at another without appearing to turn directly. In technical contexts, especially geometry, the word identifies a direction that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to another line or plane. Its figurative use carries a mild suggestion of indirection, caution, or avoidance: an obliquely worded answer may reveal a viewpoint without stating it openly. The word is useful when precision matters, because it distinguishes not only from direct or straight movement but also from the broader idea of being deliberately noncommittal. Although oblique itself is more familiar as an adjective, its adverb form is common in formal writing, analysis, and descriptions of physical geometry.
adverbIn an oblique, slanting, or indirect manner; at an angle to a straight line or reference point.
- At an angle; diagonally or slantingly.
- In an indirect, evasive, or non-direct manner.
"The path runs obliquely across the field, passing just beyond the old stone wall."
"She glanced obliquely toward the doorway without turning her head."
"The question was answered obliquely, leaving the main issue unresolved."
Obliquely means not quite straight—and it can also mean saying something without saying it outright.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obliquely come from?
Obliquely is the adverbial form of oblique, a word borrowed from Latin obliquus, meaning “slanting” or “indirect.” Latin obliquus developed from ob-, a prefix meaning “against,” and the root liquus, associated with being bent or inclined. English borrowed the word in the 16th century, and the adverb form was established as a separate lexical item. Related English words include obliquity and obliqueness, which share the same Latin source and refer to slant, indirectness, or lack of directness.
Related word forms
How obliquely is actually used
In geometry and related technical contexts, the adverb describes a line, angle, or direction that is not perpendicular or parallel to a reference. In general use, it often suggests an indirect or evasive way of speaking or acting.
Easily confused with obliquely
Obliquely means at an angle or indirectly, whereas oblivious means unaware or inattentive.