What is oblique? Pronunciation and usage in English

oblique means . Learn how to pronounce and use oblique through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of oblique

obliqueadjective

/əˈbliːk//əˈbliːk/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "oblique." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • "ob": This sounds like "ob" as in "object." It's a short, sharp "uh" sound.
  • "li": This sounds like "lee" as in "Lee" (a name).
  • "que": This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like “kweak.” It’s a delicate, almost two-syllable sound. Think of it as a quick, breathy “k” followed by a soft “weak” sound.

2. Putting it Together:

So, combining these sounds, you get: “uhb-lee-kweak”

3. Emphasis:

The emphasis is on the first syllable: “uhb-lee-kweak” – "uhb" is stressed.

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say “ob-lee-kewk.” The "kewk" is too strong and doesn't capture the subtlety of the sound.
  • The "que" is crucial. Practice saying "kweak" on its own; it's a very specific sound. You can try pairing it with words like "quick" to help you get the feeling.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Search for "how to pronounce oblique" on YouTube (Google, Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge dictionaries all have excellent audio examples).

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice words that use similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word oblique in English

Let's break down how to use the word "oblique" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown:

1. Primarily: Inclined or Slanting (Physical)

  • Meaning: This is the most common initial understanding. “Oblique” describes something that isn't straight; it’s at an angle.
  • Examples:
    • “The sun shone obliquely through the trees, creating dappled shadows.” (meaning the sunlight was hitting the trees at an angle)
    • “The road took an oblique turn, winding through the hills.” (meaning the road didn’t go straight)
    • “Hang your painting obliquely on the wall.” (meaning at an angle)

2. Primarily: Indirect or Not Straightforward (Figurative - Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is where “oblique” really shines. It describes something that’s not direct, honest, or open. It suggests a hidden meaning, a subtle approach, or a lack of clarity.
  • Examples:
    • “He gave an oblique answer to the question, avoiding the real issue.” (meaning he didn’t directly answer)
    • “Her oblique references to the argument suggested she was uncomfortable discussing it.” (meaning she hinted at the problem without being explicit)
    • "The politician's speech was intentionally oblique, designed to mislead the public." (meaning his words were indirect and somewhat deceptive)
    • "There’s an oblique connection between the two events that you might not immediately see." (meaning there's an implied relationship, not a clear one)

3. In Geometry: Not Perpendicular

  • Meaning: In geometry, "oblique" describes an angle that is not a right angle (90 degrees). A line that is not perpendicular to another line is oblique.
  • Example: “An oblique angle is formed when two lines intersect at an angle that is not a right angle."

4. In Optics (Light): Reflecting at an Angle

  • Meaning: In optics, "oblique" refers to light that strikes a surface at an angle, causing reflection.

Synonyms:

Depending on the context, “oblique” can be replaced with words like:

  • Indirect: Most common synonym for the figurative usage.
  • Vague: When the lack of clarity is prominent.
  • Subtle: When the meaning is hinted at.
  • Circumlocutory: When something is described in a roundabout way.
  • Slanting: (for the physical angle)
  • Angled: (for the physical angle)

Tips for Using "Oblique":

  • Think about the lack of directness: When you're considering whether “oblique” fits, ask yourself if something is hinting at something else instead of stating it plainly.
  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use “oblique” in a specific context (e.g., writing, conversation)?
  • Explain how "oblique" is used in a particular field (e.g., art, psychology)?

Synonyms for the word oblique

Practice with vocabulary oblique

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The lawyer's response to the difficult question was intentionally _____, skirting around the core issue without providing a direct answer.
  2. In architectural design, an _____ angle can be used to create a dynamic visual effect, moving away from strict perpendicularity.
  3. Despite repeated attempts to simplify the instructions, the professor's explanation remained incredibly _____, leaving many students bewildered.
  4. The company aims to _____ the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes by investing in renewable energy sources.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following terms could describe a remark that is indirect or evasive, rather than straightforward? a) Forthright b) Oblique c) Candid d) Direct e) Circuitous

  2. A geological formation that slopes rather than rising straight up or lying flat would typically be described as having an _____ structure. a) Perpendicular b) Vertical c) Oblique d) Horizontal e) Inclined

  3. When a negotiator uses an indirect approach or makes a subtle, hinting suggestion, their strategy could be characterized as: a) Overt b) Oblique c) Transparent d) Convoluted e) Clandestine

  4. To express one's thoughts or intentions clearly and without any hidden meaning is to be: a) Ambiguous b) Explicit c) Equivocal d) Unambiguous e) Vague

  5. In geometry, lines that maintain a constant distance from each other and never intersect are described as: a) Parallel b) Perpendicular c) Tangential d) Intersecting e) Convergent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He made a comment about her work that wasn't directly critical but implied there were issues. Rewrite:

  2. The afternoon sunlight entered the room at a steep angle, creating long shadows. Rewrite:

  3. Her justification for the project delay was so unclear that it raised more questions than answers. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The lawyer's response to the difficult question was intentionally oblique, skirting around the core issue without providing a direct answer.
  2. In architectural design, an oblique angle can be used to create a dynamic visual effect, moving away from strict perpendicularity.
  3. Despite repeated attempts to simplify the instructions, the professor's explanation remained incredibly convoluted, leaving many students bewildered.
  4. The company aims to mitigate the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes by investing in renewable energy sources.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Oblique, e) Circuitous
  2. c) Oblique, e) Inclined
  3. b) Oblique, d) Convoluted (Convoluted can imply indirectness through complexity, fitting the "unusual angle" aspect)
  4. b) Explicit, d) Unambiguous
  5. a) Parallel

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He made an oblique comment about her work, implying there were issues without being directly critical.
  2. The afternoon sunlight entered the room at an oblique angle, creating long shadows. / The afternoon sun cast oblique rays, creating long shadows in the room.
  3. Her justification for the project delay was so ambiguous that it raised more questions than answers.

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