What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tangentially
Example
She brought up the topic of her favorite book, which was only tangentially related to our discussion about politics. [tangentially: adverb]
Example
His comment about the weather was tangential to the main point of the presentation. [tangential: adjective]
obliquely
Example
She addressed the issue obliquely, without directly mentioning the problem. [obliquely: adverb]
Example
His oblique reference to the incident left us wondering what he really meant. [oblique: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tangentially is less common than obliquely in everyday language. Tangentially is more commonly used in academic or technical writing, while obliquely is more commonly used in literature or creative writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tangentially and obliquely?
Both tangentially and obliquely are formal words that are not typically used in casual conversation. However, tangentially may be perceived as more neutral or positive, while obliquely may have a negative connotation of being evasive or unclear.
