What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
askew
Example
The picture frame was hanging askew on the wall. [askew: adverb]
Example
She wore her hat at a jaunty angle, slightly askew. [askew: adjective]
lopsided
Example
The cake had a lopsided appearance after it was cut. [lopsided: adjective]
Example
The basketball game ended with a lopsided score of 100-50. [lopsided: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lopsided is more commonly used than askew in everyday language. Lopsided is versatile and can be used to describe various imbalances or asymmetries, while askew is less common and typically used to describe the position or appearance of objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between askew and lopsided?
While askew is associated with a more informal and casual tone, lopsided can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.