Obliquely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Obliquely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not straightforward or direct, often implying a roundabout or indirect approach. Example: "He obliquely referenced the issue during the meeting, leaving everyone to interpret his true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If Mr Fukui were to replace him, Mr Hayami is suggesting obliquely, he would be happy to resign early.Alas, it all seems too oblique for Masajuro Shiokawa, Japan's new finance minister, who happily admits his ignorance of things financial.

The Economist

That it should be a novel which cemented the notion of Christmas as the grand secular holiday we now have (Jesus is mentioned only obliquely) is something even the most cynical fiction writer revels in.

The Guardian - Books

While Schumer's sketches don't possess quite the level of withering societal critique that some reviewers have given them credit for, you almost never see this sort of subject matter broached on television, even obliquely; let alone in the direct way Schumer handles it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This can often happen in fog and very low cloud, but this was a fine sunny day.Although it was impossible to see the runway obliquely through the pollution, I caught a glimpse of the runway from vertically above and was able to corkscrew down to a landing with apologies to a civil aircraft behind me who was equally keen to land.

The Economist

Messrs Gilberto and Getz would return the following year with a worldwide smash, the definitive version of "The Girl from Ipanema", an upbeat song written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes and inspired by a supple 15-year-old carioca, but which deals obliquely with an awareness of mortality.Mr Oliveira's involvement in the Carnegie Hall show was merely prologue.

The Economist

For many, particularly, the young, it is heady stuff.Darfur may also have benefited from the elections, albeit obliquely.

The Economist

Italians have been mostly kept in the dark about the Bari investigation, which has been mentioned only briefly and obliquely on the main television channels.

The Economist

"Which would be worse?" This is a kind of love story one that obliquely recognises the challenges of making love last.

The Economist

He suggests obliquely that margins will eventually improve, as the last 100 of the locomotives will be built with Chinese labour and parts.Taking a big swingThe other big risk to Ecomagination comes from GE's own culture.

The Economist

But he has done so surprisingly sparingly and obliquely, given his saintly reputation.King Bhumibol's only other English biography, "The Revolutionary King" by William Stevenson, argues that his interventions have been effective precisely because they have been guarded and infrequent.

The Economist

Bill Clinton is shown aiming a rifle at a row of Iraqis, all of whom have targets pinned to their chests except for Saddam.Some Saudi editorialists, who tend to reflect official opinion, suggest, obliquely, that the trouble with American policy is that it is ineffective: effective action, that finished off Mr Hussein once and for all, would not necessarily be unacceptable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obliquely" to add nuance when you want to suggest something without stating it explicitly. It's particularly effective in formal writing and when discussing sensitive topics where directness might be inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "obliquely" when a simpler adverb like "indirectly" or "sideways" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex. Choose the word that best fits the context and maintains clarity.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "obliquely" functions primarily to modify verbs or clauses, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a statement is made. It specifies that something is done or said in an indirect or roundabout way, often implying a lack of directness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "obliquely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to describe actions or statements conveyed indirectly. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to modify verbs, indicating an indirect approach. Its usage spans various contexts, being most prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business communications. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers, adding sophistication to writing without being overly complex. When aiming for clarity or informality, consider simpler alternatives like "indirectly" or "in a roundabout way". The numerous examples provided by Ludwig underscore its widespread applicability and contextual nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Indirectly

Emphasizes the lack of a direct path or method.

In a roundabout way

Highlights the circuitous nature of the approach.

Not directly

Simply negates the direct approach.

Tangentially

Suggests a slight or insignificant connection.

Allusively

Indicates a reference made by hint or implication.

By implication

Focuses on the inferred meaning rather than explicit statement.

Peripherally

Indicates a position on the edge or boundary; not central.

Circumlocutorily

Implies speaking in a roundabout and unnecessarily lengthy manner.

Evasively

Highlights an attempt to avoid directness or clarity.

With a veiled reference

Indicates a concealed or disguised mention.

FAQs

How to use "obliquely" in a sentence?

Use "obliquely" to describe actions or statements made in an indirect or roundabout manner. For example: "He "obliquely" hinted at his dissatisfaction during the meeting."

What can I say instead of "obliquely"?

You can use alternatives like "indirectly", "in a roundabout way", or "tangentially" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "obliquely" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "obliquely" is more suited for formal writing and speech. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "indirectly" or "not directly" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "obliquely" and "evasively"?

"Obliquely" suggests an indirect approach, while "evasively" implies an attempt to avoid answering or addressing something directly, often to conceal the truth.