obliquely

/əˈbliːkli/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈbliːkli/ (ame, ipa)

obliquely — adverb

1. in a sideways, hinting way that suggests the real point instead of stating it pl

1.副詞C1
釋義

in a sideways, hinting way that suggests the real point instead of stating it plainly, so the listener has to work it out.

例句

Gabriel obliquely warned the landlord by asking how long wet walls stay safe.

obliquely + warn / suggest by asking a question

The head coach was obliquely criticised on live radio after another late defeat.

passive: be obliquely criticised

同義詞
  • indirectly

    broader and more everyday; can refer to causes as well as speech

  • allusively

    formal; stresses hinting by referring to something without naming it

  • subtly

    less exact; can mean delicate rather than specifically indirect

反義詞
  • directly

    saying the point openly and plainly

  • openly

    without trying to hide criticism or intention

文法句型

verb of speaking + obliquely

be + obliquely + past participle

用法筆記

Usually modifies speaking or writing verbs such as criticize, mention, warn, or mock. Distinguish from sense 2: here the focus is on an indirect message, not a physical angle.

常見錯誤

❌She spoke obliquely to the station.
✅She walked obliquely to the station.
💡when you mean a slanting direction, use sense 2 rather than the hinting sense.

2. at a slant rather than straight up, down, or across; in a way that moves or lies

2.副詞C1
釋義

at a slant rather than straight up, down, or across; in a way that moves or lies on a diagonal line.

例句

Late sunlight obliquely crossed the library floor through the high windows.

obliquely + movement across a surface

Wei sliced the sandwich obliquely so both pieces would show the filling.

cut + obliquely

同義詞
  • diagonally

    more everyday word for moving or cutting from one side to another

  • slantwise

    less common; emphasizes a tilted direction

  • aslant

    literary or formal; often used of light, rain, or a look

反義詞
  • straight

    without any slant or sideways angle

  • vertically

    straight up and down rather than angled

文法句型

move / lie / hang + obliquely

obliquely + across / through / up

用法筆記

More common in formal description than in everyday talk. Writers often use it with movement, light, lines, rain, or objects that lean across something.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher spoke obliquely about the exam room layout.
✅The teacher arranged the desks obliquely in the exam room.
💡this sense is about physical direction, not hinting speech.