What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diagonal
Example
The cat walked diagonally across the room. [diagonally: adverb]
Example
Draw a diagonal line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. [diagonal: adjective]
oblique
Example
The tower leaned at an oblique angle. [oblique: adjective]
Example
The artist used oblique lines to create a sense of movement in the painting. [oblique: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Diagonal is more commonly used than oblique in everyday language, as it has a more neutral connotation and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diagonal and oblique?
Oblique is more often used in technical or specialized contexts, making it more formal than diagonal. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
