askew Definition
not in a straight or level position; crooked; awry.
Using askew: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "askew" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The picture on the wall was hanging askew.
Example
She wore her hat askew.
Example
The vase was knocked askew by the cat.
askew Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with askew
Example
The door was out of kilter and wouldn't close properly.
Example
He accidentally set the vase askew when he bumped into the table.
Example
She looked askew at him when he suggested they skip class.
Origins of askew
from Old Norse 'skewr', meaning 'to skew'
Summary: askew in Brief
'Askew' [əˈskjuː] means not in a straight or level position, often used to describe something that is crooked or tilted. It can be used as an adverb or adjective, as in 'The picture on the wall was hanging askew.' Phrases like 'out of kilter/askew' and 'set something askew' use 'askew' to denote something that is not in the correct position. 'Look askew at someone/something' means to look at someone or something with suspicion or disapproval.