oblíquo

Oblíquo is a term used in linguistics and grammar to describe a case form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective that is not the nominative (subject) or vocative (direct address). In languages that have a case system, oblique cases typically express grammatical functions such as direct object, indirect object, possession, or the object of a preposition. The specific oblique cases and their functions vary widely among languages. For example, in Latin, there are several oblique cases including the genitive (possession), dative (indirect object), accusative (direct object), and ablative (various functions including instrument, location, or separation). English has largely lost its case system, but remnants can be seen in pronouns like "I" (nominative) versus "me" (oblique) and "he" (nominative) versus "him" (oblique). The term "oblique" can also refer to the grammatical relationship itself rather than just the case ending. Adjectives sometimes agree with nouns in oblique cases, and prepositions often govern oblique cases. Understanding oblique cases is crucial for analyzing the syntax and morphology of many languages, particularly Indo-European languages and their historical development.