obliquity
UK[əˈblɪk.wə.ti]US[əˈblɪk.wə.ti]
n
the quality or state of being oblique; deviation from a straight line, a right angle, or a moral or intellectual standard.
n
an instance of being oblique; an obscure or confusing statement.
Morpheme Breakdown
obliq
uity
obliq
slanting
uity
noun suffix
Etymology
the word obliquity originates from the latin obliquitas, which is derived from the adjective obliquus, meaning 'slanting' or 'indirect'. the latin term itself is of uncertain deeper origin, though it may be related to a proto-indo-european root for 'to bend'. the core concept of deviation from a straight line or direct course was present from the beginning. over time, this physical sense of angular deviation was metaphorically extended to describe indirectness in language, reasoning, or moral conduct, giving us the modern abstract meanings associated with obscurity or a lack of straightforwardness.
Analysis
Structure: obliq (slanting) + uity (noun suffix)
obliq is from latin obliquus meaning 'slanting, sidelong, indirect'. uity is a noun-forming suffix from latin -itas, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
the obliquity of the earth's axis is responsible for the changing seasons.
his response was full of political obliquity, avoiding a direct answer.
the architect measured the obliquity of the intersecting walls.