oblique

What does “oblique” mean?

noun.not explicit or direct in addressing a point.

SAT Usage

the term typically appears in passages discussing communication, rhetoric, or literature, often highlighting indirect or subtle methods of expression. It emphasizes a nuanced approach to conveying ideas or critiques, distinguishing itself from more straightforward terms like "explicit," which lacks the implication of complexity or indirectness.

Common Confusions

Oblique implies a subtle or indirect approach to communication, while explicit usually suggests a clear and direct expression of ideas without ambiguity.

Example Sentences

• He made an oblique reference to the issue without addressing it directly.

• The oblique reference in the novel hinted at the author's personal struggles without explicitly revealing his own life experiences.

Word Parts: How to Remember “oblique”

Break “oblique” into its parts: ob- (against, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ob- against, toward (Latin)