Have you ever heard someone use the word “askew” in a sentence and wondered what it meant? This word is not commonly used in everyday conversations, but it has a unique definition that is worth exploring.
Definitions
The word “askew” is an adjective that describes something that is not straight or level. It can also refer to something that is crooked, tilted, or off-center.
Origin
The origin of the word “askew” can be traced back to the Middle English word “askewen,” which means “to turn aside.” It is also related to the Old Norse word “skew,” which means “to slip or slide.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “askew” means “out of line” or “at an angle.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “crooked or awry.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “not in a straight or level position.”
Associations
The word “askew” is often associated with things that are not properly aligned, such as a picture frame hanging on a wall or a person’s posture. It can also be used to describe a situation that is not going as planned or expected.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for the word “askew” include crooked, slanted, tilted, skewed, and off-center.
Antonyms
Antonyms for “askew” include straight, level, even, aligned, and centered.
The same root words
The word “askew” shares the same root words as other English words like “skew,” “skid,” and “slip.” These words all relate to the idea of something being out of place or not properly aligned.
Example Sentences
- The picture frame on the wall was hanging askew.
- The building looked askew after the earthquake.
- The man’s tie was askew, so he straightened it before the job interview.
- The car skidded on the wet road and ended up askew in the ditch.
- The cake was lopsided and looked askew on the plate.