diagonal

• Qualifie une ligne ou une direction qui coupe obliquement, n'étant ni verticale ni horizontale. Se dit aussi de ce qui est disposé de biais ou en travers.

Describes a line or direction that is at an angle, especially one that is neither vertical nor horizontal.

1. Slanting directionB1formal

   Extending from one corner to the opposite corner of a shape, or moving in a slanted direction.

   diagonal (sens oblique)

   • The diagonal line divides the square into two triangles.
   • She drew a diagonal stripe across the canvas.
   • The path runs diagonal to the main road.

   Synonymesangledaskewcantedobliqueskewedslantedslantingsloping

   Antonymeshorizontalstraightvertical

2. Indirect or obliqueC1formal

   Not straightforward; indirect in approach or meaning.

   indirect, oblique

   • He took a diagonal approach to solving the problem.
   • Her comment was a diagonal criticism of the policy.
   • The report used diagonal reasoning to avoid direct conclusions.

   Synonymescircuitousdeviousevasiveindirectobliqueroundaboutsidewaystangential

   Antonymesdirectlinearstraightforward

• En géométrie, droite joignant deux sommets non adjacents d'un polygone ou d'un polyèdre. Par extension, toute ligne oblique ou en biais.

A noun referring to a straight line that connects two non-adjacent vertices of a polygon or polyhedron, or any line that runs at a slant.

1. Geometry lineB1formal

   A straight line joining two opposite corners of a square, rectangle, or other straight-sided shape.

   diagonale d'un polygone

   • Draw a diagonal from one corner to the opposite corner.
   • The diagonal of the square is longer than its sides.
   • In a rectangle, the diagonals are equal in length.

2. Slanting directionB1informal

   A line or direction that is sloping, not vertical or horizontal.

   diagonale

   • The pattern on the fabric is made of diagonals.
   • She cut the fabric along the diagonal.
   • The road runs on a diagonal across the field.

   Synonymesbiascantinclineobliqueslantslopetilt