oblique
UK: /əˈbliːk/ | US: /oʊˈbliːk/
adj. slanting or inclined; not parallel or perpendicular
adj. indirect or evasive in manner or expression
n. a slanting line or direction
The word "oblique" originates from Latin obliquus, combining ob- (meaning "against") and liquis (from linquere, "to bend"). This reflects the idea of deviation from a straight line or direct path, both literally (slanting) and figuratively (indirectness). The term entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its dual spatial and metaphorical meanings.
The artist drew oblique lines to create a sense of movement.
She gave an oblique answer to avoid revealing the truth.
The tower leaned at an oblique angle after the earthquake.
His oblique remarks left everyone confused about his intentions.
In geometry, an oblique triangle has no right angles.