slantwise

Slantwise is an adverb that describes movement or direction that is diagonal or at an angle rather than straight or perpendicular. It can refer to a physical trajectory, such as a ball being thrown slantwise, or a more figurative direction, like a comment made slantwise. The word suggests a deviation from a direct or conventional path.

The term is often used to convey a sense of obliqueness or indirectness. For example, one might look at something slantwise, meaning to glance at it from the side or with a questioning expression. In a narrative context, a story might unfold slantwise, meaning it doesn't follow a linear chronological order but instead jumps between different points in time or focuses on tangential elements.

The etymology of slantwise comes from the word "slant," which itself has Old Norse or Middle English origins, referring to a slope or inclination. The addition of the suffix "-wise" indicates a manner or direction. Therefore, slantwise inherently implies a manner of proceeding that is angled or not straightforward. It is a versatile term used in everyday language to describe a variety of non-direct approaches or movements.