What does slantingly mean?
Slantingly means in an oblique, indirect manner, and it commonly carries an implied criticism or negative judgment. A writer or speaker who comments slantingly does not directly accuse, condemn, or criticize; instead, the criticism is suggested through irony, insinuation, or a slightly angled remark. For example, calling a badly designed building “a striking example of architectural ambition” may be intentionally slantingly and mildly derisive. The word can also describe an action performed at an angle, as in looking at someone slantingly, although this literal use is less prominent today. Slantingly is more literary and nuanced than simply saying that someone has spoken indirectly, and it is especially useful when the tone is wary, amused, skeptical, or disparaging without being openly confrontational.
adverbIn an oblique or indirect manner, especially with a subtly critical, disparaging, or metaphorical implication.
- In an indirect or oblique manner, especially with an implied criticism or negative judgment.
- At an angle; diagonally.
"Her slanting remarks made it clear that she disapproved of the proposal."
"The editor described the proposal slantingly as an interesting attempt to solve the problem."
"He looked slantingly across the room as though he suspected the conversation."
Sometimes a remark lands more pointedly when it does not come out straight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slantingly come from?
Slantingly was formed from the English word slant by adding the adverb-forming suffix -ly. Slant ultimately comes through Old French from a Germanic source associated with sloping or leaning at an angle. The addition of -ly developed the directional sense into a broader adverbial meaning that includes behaving or speaking obliquely.
How slantingly is actually used
In contemporary use, the figurative sense—suggesting criticism or disparagement through oblique wording—is more common than the literal sense of being at an angle. It is somewhat literary and less frequent in everyday informal speech.
Easily confused with slantingly
As an adverb, slantingly describes an oblique or critical manner; as a modifier of directed, it describes a direction that is angled away from the intended path.