Obliquing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The act or process of making something slant or tilt away from a straight or vertical position
2. Performing the action of inclining an object or surface at an angle that is not perpendicular or parallel
3. Changing the direction or position so that it is angled or tilted rather than straight or level

Etymology: The term "obliquing" derives from the verb "oblique," which has its roots in the Latin word "obliquus," meaning "slanting" or "indirect." This Latin term itself stems from the combination of "ob-" meaning "against" or "in the way of," and "liquere," which means "to be liquid" or "to flow." The notion of slanting or deviating from a straight line or a direct course is central to the meaning of the word. In English, "oblique" entered the lexicon in the late 14th century, originally used in contexts relating to angles and geometry. Its meanings expanded over time to include metaphorical senses, such as indirectness in speech or behavior. The addition of the "-ing" suffix to form "obliquing" implies an ongoing action or process of becoming oblique, whether in a physical sense or in terms of indirect communication. The evolution of this term reflects a broader trend in the English language where words associated with physical characteristics, like slanting or tilting, are extended to abstract concepts. Thus, "obliquing" can be understood as not just a literal slant but also as a way of navigating indirect communication, suggesting that the path being taken is not straightforward. It is a vivid reminder of how language evolves to capture both the tangible and intangible aspects of human experience.