French Conversation · Level 35
75 words
French word
oblique
Pronunciation
IPA/oblik/
Meaning
- adjectiveindirect
Example
Sa réponse était oblique.
Her answer was indirect.
More examples
Il a fait une allusion oblique.
He made an oblique allusion.
Core concept
A path that reaches its point by an angle rather than by a direct line.
Common phrases
réponse oblique
oblique response
allusion oblique
oblique allusion
critique oblique
oblique criticism
Similar words
évasif: Not giving a definite answer or clear explanation.
indirect: Conveying an idea or conclusion in a circuitous way.
détourné: Using a roundabout manner instead of expressing something directly.
équivoque: Having an unclear meaning that allows different interpretations.
Definition in French
Qui exprime quelque chose de façon indirecte, en n'abordant pas le sujet de manière franche.
Word origin
French oblique comes from Latin obliquus, meaning slanting, through Old French, and its figurative sense extends angled direction to indirect expression.
Usage tips
- Oblique is more formal or literary than everyday French expressions such as évasif or ne pas aller droit au but.