# obliquely

/əˈbɫikɫi/ (US) · /əblˈiːkli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obliquely
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

in a way that is not direct or clear. You use this when someone talks about a topic without mentioning it directly, or when something is at an angle.

For teachers: in a manner that is indirect, indirect in direction, or not facing directly toward a person or object. Often describes communication that avoids a direct statement or a physical orientation that is slanted.

## Examples

- He spoke obliquely about his past mistakes.
- The author refers to the political scandal obliquely, using a fictional story to avoid direct criticism.
- The sun's rays struck the surface obliquely, creating long shadows that stretched across the valley floor as the day began to wane.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.