n.
- a position to the left or right of an object, place, or central point.
- either of the two halves of something regarded as divided by an imaginary central line.
- an upright or sloping surface of a structure or object that is not the top or bottom and generally not the front or back.
▸each of the flat surfaces of a solid object.
▸either of the two surfaces of something flat and thin, e.g. paper.
▸either of the two faces of a record or the corresponding parts of a length of audio tape.
- a part or region near the edge and away from the middle.
▸each of the lines forming the boundary of a plane rectilinear figure.
- a person or group opposing another or others in a dispute or contest.
▸a sports team.
▸the cause, interests, or attitude of one person or group.
- a particular aspect:
he had a disagreeable side.
▸a person's kinship or line of descent as traced through either their father or mother:
Richard was of French descent on his mother's side.
- Brit. informal a television channel.
-
[as modifier]
subsidiary or less important:
a side chapel.
-
(also side spin)
horizontal spinning motion given to a ball, especially by hitting it on one side.
- Brit. informal a boastful or pretentious manner or attitude.
v.
(
side with/against)
support or oppose in a conflict or dispute.
Phrase
- from side to side
- alternately left and right from a central point.
- across the entire width; right across.
- on the side
- in addition to one's regular job.
- secretly, especially as an illicit sexual relationship.
- served separately from the main dish.
- side by side
close together and facing the same way. - side on
on, from, or towards the side. - take sides
support one person or cause against another or others.
Derivative
- -sided adj.
- -sidedly adv.
- -sidedness n.
- sideless adj.
- sideward adj. & adv.
- sidewards adv.
Etymology
OE sīde ‘left or right part of the body’, of Gmc origin, prob. from a base meaning ‘extending lengthways’.