Askew Meaning and Definition
Askew
Pronunciation
/ˈæskjuː/
Part of Speech
Adverb, adjective, and verb
Definition
Askew means slanting or leaning to one side, not straight or level; crooked or uneven. It can also be used to describe something that is slightly off or awry.
Examples
1. “The picture hung askew on the wall, slightly tilting to one side.”
2. “The furniture in the room seemed askew, as if it had been rearranged haphazardly.”
Synonyms
1. Slanting
2. Crooked
3. Uneven
Antonyms
1. Straight
2. Level
3. Even
Additional Information
Askew is often used to describe objects or structures that are not quite straight or level. For example, a building that is askew may be slightly tilted or leaning to one side. The term can also be used to describe someone’s gaze or glance, implying that it is slightly off or distracted.
In a broader sense, askew can also refer to something that is not quite right or out of balance. For instance, a plan that has gone askew may have encountered unexpected obstacles or setbacks. In this sense, the term can be used to describe a range of situations, from personal relationships to complex systems or processes.
It’s worth noting that askew is often used in conjunction with other words to convey a sense of uncertainty or imperfection. For example, “askew with worry” or “askew with fear” implies that someone’s thoughts or emotions are slightly off-balance. Similarly, “askew with age” might suggest that something has become worn or uneven over time.
Etymology
Askew comes from the Old Norse word “askr”, meaning “crooked” or “uneven”. This word was later adopted into Middle English as “askew”, where it has retained its original meaning.
Usage Notes
Askew can be used as an adverb, adjective, or verb. When used as an adverb, it typically precedes the verb, as in “the picture hung askew on the wall”. As an adjective, it can be used to describe objects or situations, such as “the askew gaze of the painting”. When used as a verb, it means to make something crooked or uneven, as in “the strong winds askewed the tree branches”.
Cultural References
Askew has appeared in various cultural contexts, including literature, art, and music. For example, the term is used in the title of the song “Askew” by the American indie rock band, Yeasayer. In literature, askew is used to describe the crooked or uneven nature of characters or settings, such as in the novel “The Askew Sisters” by Wendy Williams.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Askew is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “to go askew”, meaning to go off-balance or out of control. Another example is “askew with”, meaning to be slightly off or awry, as in “the plan went askew with the unexpected changes”.
Collocations
Common word combinations with askew include “hang askew”, “tilt askew”, “gaze askew”, and “askew with worry”. Other collocations include “askew furniture” or “askew alignment”.
Frequency of Use
Askew is a moderately used term in modern language, often appearing in formal or descriptive writing. According to Google Ngram Viewer, the term has seen a steady increase in usage over the past century, with a slight peak in the 1960s.
Common misspellings of askew include “aske”, “askewy”, and “askewed”.