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Skew vs Preoccupy - What's the difference?

skew | preoccupy |

As verbs the difference between skew and preoccupy

is that skew is to change or alter in a particular direction while preoccupy is to distract; to occupy or draw attention elsewhere.

As an adjective skew

is (mathematics) neither perpendicular nor parallel (usually said of two lines).

As a noun skew

is (architecture) a stone at the foot of the slope of a gable, the offset of a buttress, etc, cut with a sloping surface and with a check to receive the coping stones and retain them in place.

As an adverb skew

is awry; obliquely; askew.

skew

English

Adjective

(-)
  • (mathematics) Neither perpendicular nor parallel (usually said of two lines).
  • Derived terms

    * skew arch * skew back * skew bridge * skew curve * skew gearing, skew bevel gearing * skew surface * skew symmetrical determinant

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To change or alter in a particular direction.
  • A disproportionate number of female subjects in the study group skewed the results.
  • To shape or form in an oblique way; to cause to take an oblique position.
  • To throw or hurl obliquely.
  • To walk obliquely; to go sidling; to lie or move obliquely.
  • * L'Estrange
  • Child, you must walk straight, without skewing .
  • To start aside; to shy, as a horse.
  • To look obliquely; to squint; hence, to look slightingly or suspiciously.
  • (Beaumont and Fletcher)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (architecture) A stone at the foot of the slope of a gable, the offset of a buttress, etc., cut with a sloping surface and with a check to receive the coping stones and retain them in place.
  • Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • Awry; obliquely; askew.
  • preoccupy

    English

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To distract; to occupy or draw attention elsewhere.
  • The father tried to preoccupy the child with his keys.