Askew

/əˈskjuː/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Crooked or tilted; not straight or aligned.

The picture hung askew on the wall, making the room look unkempt.

Awry; out of the normal or expected position.

Her hat was askew after the windy walk, giving her an endearing look.

Not in a straight or level position.

The table was askew, causing the drinks to spill off.

adverb

In a crooked or slanting position.

He placed the vase askew, which made the flowers lean to one side.

Awry; mistakenly; not as it should be.

Her plans for the weekend went askew after the rain started.

Middle English 'askewe', from Old Norse 'askew', meaning 'crooked'.

tilt to one side

To lean or incline in a particular direction.

look askew

To look at something with disapproval or skepticism.

crooked

Not straight; bent.

tilt

To slant or tip.

awry

Away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course.