Definition

Noun: 1. Deviation from a straight line, direction, or course; an angle or degree of slant. This meaning refers to a physical or geometric inclination from a reference line, such as the vertical or horizontal. 2. Deviation from moral rectitude or sound thinking; indirectness or deliberate obscurity in conduct or statement. This figurative meaning describes a lack of straightforwardness, honesty, or clarity.

Usage Examples

• Physical/Geometric Inclination:
  • The obliquity of the Earth's axis is approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane.
  • The architect measured the obliquity of the supporting pillar to ensure structural integrity.
• Figurative Lack of Straightforwardness:
  • The politician answered with such obliquity that no one could determine his true position.
  • His moral obliquity was evident in his constant evasion of direct questions.

Advanced Usage

• In Astronomy: The term is used precisely to describe the axial tilt of a planet. "The of Mars undergoes significant changes over long time scales."
• In Medicine (Obstetrics): Refers to an abnormal presentation of a fetus. "The doctor diagnosed an of the fetal head, requiring careful monitoring during delivery."

Variants and Related Words

• Oblique (adjective): Slanting; not straightforward or direct.
  • He gave an oblique answer to avoid the question.
• Obliqueness (noun): The state or quality of being oblique. Often used interchangeably with "obliquity" in its figurative sense.

Synonyms

• For physical inclination: inclination, tilt, slope, angle, deviation.
• For lack of straightforwardness: indirectness, evasiveness, deceitfulness, duplicity, ambiguity.

Antonyms

• For physical inclination: perpendicularity, verticality, alignment.
• For lack of straightforwardness: directness, frankness, honesty, candor, clarity.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Moral obliquity: A fixed phrase describing a character flaw involving a lack of ethical principles.
  • The villain in the story was defined by his profound moral obliquity.
• Angle of obliquity: A technical phrase specifying the measured degree of slant.
  • The engineer calculated the angle of obliquity for the new ramp.

Noun

1. the quality of being deceptive
2. the presentation during labor of the head of the fetus at an abnormal angle