oblique argument

[/əˈbliːk ˈɑːrɡjumənt/]
nounpl: oblique arguments
argumento oblíquo
1. In logic and rhetoric, an indirect or indirect method of argumentation that approaches a conclusion from an angle rather than directly; an argument that uses indirect reasoning or sidesteps the main issue
Instead of directly addressing the problem, the lawyer presented an oblique argument about the defendant's character.
Em vez de abordar diretamente o problema, o advogado apresentou um argumento oblíquo sobre o caráter do réu.
2. In linguistics, a grammatical case or form used for objects that are not the direct object (such as indirect objects or objects of prepositions)
In Latin, the oblique argument form is used when the noun is not the subject of the sentence.
Em latim, a forma de argumento oblíquo é usada quando o nome não é o sujeito da frase.
3. A sideways or tangential approach to proving or supporting a position
The prosecutor relied on oblique arguments rather than concrete evidence.
O promotor dependeu de argumentos oblíquos em vez de evidência concreta.
This term is primarily used in academic, legal, and philosophical contexts in both Brazil and Portugal. It is particularly common in formal argumentation, logic courses, and legal argumentation. The concept is valued in rhetoric as a sophisticated argumentative technique, though it can also be viewed skeptically as avoiding direct confrontation with the main issue.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
indirect argumentcircumstantial argumenttangential argumentroundabout reasoning
Antonyms / Antônimos
direct argumentstraightforward argumentexplicit argument

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
argumento oblíquo
Standard term used in academic and legal contexts
Portugal
argumento oblíquo
Used in formal linguistic and philosophical discourse
Academic contexts
argumento indireto
Alternative term sometimes preferred in educational settings

Related Words

oblique caseindirect objectrhetoriclogical fallacydeductive reasoningargumentation

Related Idioms & Phrases

to argue around the point
to take a roundabout approach
to skirt the issue
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →