askew

UK: əˈskjuː | US: əˈskjuː

Definition

  1. adj. not straight or level; crooked or tilted

  2. adv. in a crooked or tilted position

Structure
a <on, in>skew <to turn or slant>
Etymology

askew = a<on, in> + skew<to turn or slant>

  • a (prefix): From Old English on, meaning "on" or "in," often used to indicate direction or state.
  • skew (root): From Old French eschuer (to avoid, shun), later evolving to mean "to slant" or "to turn aside."

Etymology Origin:
The word askew emerged in the late 16th century, combining the directional prefix a- with skew, which originally meant "to avoid" but shifted to describe oblique angles or slanted positions. The fusion reflects a vivid image of something turned or tilted away from alignment.

Examples

  1. The picture hung askew after the earthquake.

  2. She wore her hat askew for a playful look.

  3. The fence posts were driven askew by the strong wind.

  4. His glasses sat askew on his nose after the fall.

  5. The tower leaned askew, defying gravity.