WordGarden.ioaslant
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əslˈɑːnt/
US
- /əˈslænt/archaicliteraryadjective
Meanings
Adjective
slanting or set at an angle
Adverb
at a slant or in an oblique direction
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tree leaning slightly after a storm – that's aslant! It describes something that isn't straight or level, but tilted to one side. A stylish beret might be worn aslant, and shadows fall aslant when the sun is low in the sky. Think of it like a gentle slant, not quite falling over, just…off-kilter. You might see an old building with windows set aslant after years of settling. It adds character!
The word "aslant" paints a picture of something that's not perfectly upright or horizontal – it's leaning, sloping, or positioned at an angle. It isn't necessarily dramatic; think less about a toppling tower and more about a subtle tilt. It often describes the way something is positioned rather than its inherent nature.
You might describe light falling "aslant" across a room, creating long shadows that stretch diagonally. A character in a story could wear their hat "aslant," suggesting a playful or rebellious personality. Or perhaps an old fence post leans "aslant," showing the effects of time and weather.
"Aslant" isn't just about physical objects, either. You can use it to describe how someone views something – "He looked at the problem aslant, trying to find a new angle." It suggests a slightly unconventional or indirect approach.
You'll also see it used as an adjective, especially with quick, expressive looks: "She gave him an aslant glance," meaning a sideways or oblique look.
Historically, "aslant" is essentially "a-" (meaning "in a…manner") + "slant." The idea is simple: when something shifts from perfectly straight, it ends up at an angle. So next time you see something tilted just so, remember "aslant" – a little bit of angle can tell a whole story!
Examples
- 1
Crooked position
The frame was hanging slightly aslant after the door slammed.
- 2
Light angle
In the late afternoon, sunlight fell aslant across the kitchen floor.
- 3
Suspicious glance
He looked at her aslant, unsure whether she was joking.
- Patternlook at + person aslant
look at them from the side, often with doubt or suspicion
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- aslantadverbadjective