Understanding Obliquity: The Art of Indirect Communication

Obliquely is an adverb that means something is done or directed at an angle or slant, rather than straight on or head-on. It can also imply that something is done indirectly or covertly, rather than openly or directly.

For example, if someone is asked a question directly and straightforwardly, but they respond with an indirect or evasive answer, they might be said to have answered obliquely. Similarly, if a person's actions or words are not straightforward or direct, but instead are intended to mislead or deceive, they might be described as oblique.

In literature and poetry, oblique can also refer to language or imagery that is subtle, suggestive, or ambiguous, rather than clear or direct. For example, a poem with indirect or metaphorical language might be said to use oblique imagery.