The past tense and past participle of the verb 'oblique,' meaning to deviate from a direct line or course, to slant, incline, or bend. It can refer to physical angles or figurative deviations, such as indirect approaches or evasive language. The action typically introduces a shift or change in direction, whether subtle or significant. It suggests a departure from a straightforward path, often implying a degree of circumvention or strategic maneuver. The deviation can be spatial, temporal, or conceptual. The term highlights an intentional or unintentional departure from a perpendicular or parallel relationship.
Obliqued meaning with examples
- The architect obliqued the building's facade to capture the morning sun, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow. The intentional shift from a right angle transformed the building's aesthetics and made it a landmark, garnering critical acclaim for its unique perspective and artistic merit. This design choice, while unusual, greatly enhanced the functionality of the structure by utilizing light sources, and the angled wall now directs visitors in a natural way.
- During the negotiation, the lawyer obliqued her response, avoiding a direct answer to the question in order to buy time and assess the situation. Instead of a direct yes or no, she carefully chose her words and her indirect response gave her a few minutes to formulate a better defense plan. This strategic maneuver allowed her to maintain control and carefully analyze the opposing party's intentions, keeping her in a stronger negotiating position.
- The artist obliqued his brushstrokes, creating an impressionistic effect that captured the ethereal quality of the sunset. The use of a specific technique allowed the artist to avoid blending colors and add a sense of movement, while maintaining vibrancy. Instead of straight, defined lines, the skewed strokes captured the soft blend and the shifting colors of the scene, emphasizing atmospheric perspective.
- The historian obliqued his narrative to present a different perspective on the events, challenging the established historical consensus by showing historical information about the subject in a skewed way. Instead of directly contradicting previous claims, he carefully selected which facts to highlight and how to present them, ultimately revealing information that casted previous narratives in a different light. His approach allowed him to present his claims in a nuanced and convincing manner.