WordGarden.iolaterally
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈætərəli/
US
- /ˈlætərəˌli/
Meanings
Adverb
to or toward the side; sideways
toward the side of the body, away from the midline
at the same rank or level in an organization rather than upward or downward
More meaningsFewer meanings
in an indirect, creative, or non-obvious way
Beyond the definition
Think of a crab scuttling across the sand—it doesn't move forward like we do; it moves laterally, or sideways. "Laterally" describes movement or position that is toward one side rather than straight forward, backward, up, or down. Imagine a surgeon making an incision laterally along a muscle, or a sliding door gliding laterally along its track. It's about direction—specifically, motion or placement from side to side or along the side. You might also hear it used in construction: a building is often reinforced laterally so it stays stable when strong winds push against its sides.
The word "laterally" describes movement or position that occurs on the side, horizontally, or from side to side. It is derived from the Latin word lateralis, meaning "of the side." While we often navigate the world by moving forward and backward or up and down, laterally describes the essential sideways dimension of our environment.
You'll encounter "laterally" most frequently in technical contexts like biology, anatomy, and engineering. For example, a doctor might describe a nerve being compressed laterally by surrounding tissue, or a specialist might discuss how a joint moves laterally. In architecture and civil engineering, a building's structural integrity often depends on lateral bracing—supports designed specifically to prevent the frame from swaying or buckling sideways during an earthquake or a high-wind event.
Beyond technical fields, the word fits many everyday scenarios. You might "step laterally" to avoid a puddle on a busy sidewalk, or describe a river that slowly shifts laterally across a wide valley floor over centuries. Even in sports or dance, a person may move laterally to the left or right while staying balanced. Whenever you need to describe action or placement toward the side, "laterally" is a precise word for the job.
Examples
- 1
Physical movement
Slide the tray laterally until it fits under the shelf.
- 2
Plant growth
The roots spread laterally just below the surface of the soil.
- 3
Career move
Instead of taking a promotion, Maya moved laterally into another team.
- Phrasemove laterally
change to a role at a similar level
- 4
Creative thinking
We had to think laterally to solve the scheduling problem.
- Phrasethink laterally
use a creative or indirect approach
See also
Similar
- sideways
- sideward
- transversely
Shades of meaning
- horizontally
- side-to-side
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- move laterally
- shift laterally
- extend laterally
- laterally displaced
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- laterallyadverb