askew
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /əˈskjuː/
KK: /əˈskju/
adjective
Definition
Not straight or level; tilted or slanted to one side.
Example
The picture on the wall was hanging askew, so I straightened it.
Conversation
Hey, did you notice that picture on the wall is a bit askew?
Yeah, I thought it looked off!
I wonder how long it’s been askew like that.
Probably since we moved in; we should fix it later.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
crooked
awry
lopsided
Antonyms
straight
aligned
level
adverb
Definition
In a position that is not straight or level; tilted or crooked.
Example
The picture on the wall was hanging askew, so I straightened it.
Conversation
I think the picture frame is a bit askew on the wall.
Yeah, it does look like it's not straight.
Should we fix it before the guests arrive?
Root Explanation
Askew → The word originates from the Middle English 'askew' (meaning to one side or crooked), which is derived from the Old Norse 'skúfa' (meaning to push or shove). The term describes something that is not straight or is tilted to one side.
Memory Tip
Imagine something that is 'pushed' or 'shoved' to one side — that's how you can remember that 'askew' means not straight or crooked.
Visually Confused Words
skew
skewy
skewl