oblique

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun any grammatical case other than the nominative
noun a diagonally arranged abdominal muscle on either side of the torso
adjective slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled

From Middle French oblique, from Latin oblīquus (also spelled oblīcus) (“slanting, sideways, indirect, envious”).

He was crossing in an oblique direction. — The Mysterious Island, Jules Verne
The owl often assumes this oblique attitude. — Notre-Dame de Paris, Victor Hugo
Are these last throwing out oblique hints touching Tophet? — Moby Dick; Or, The Whale, Herman Melville

oblique case

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