WordGarden.ioside
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈaɪd/
US
- /ˈsaɪd/
Meanings
Noun
the left or right part, surface, or edge of something
a particular aspect or facet of something
one party, team, or faction in a contest, argument, or conflict
More meaningsFewer meanings
the side of a person's or animal's body
a dish served with a main course
Verb
to support one person or group against another
Beyond the definition
The word "side" seems simple, but it has many meanings. It can refer to the edge or outer part of something, like the side of a road, a box, or a house. It can also mean one of two opposite parts, such as the left and right sides of your body or the two sides in a game. Sometimes, "side" tells which group or person you support: are you on their side, or against them?
Imagine a coin: it has two sides. You might take a side in an argument, walk along the roadside, or talk about the side effects of medicine. In the end, "side" is often about parts, position, and point of view.
The word "side" is surprisingly versatile, and it appears in many different contexts with slightly different meanings. At its most basic, a side is an outer part, surface, or edge of something: the side of a mountain, the side of a box, the side of a page, or the side of your face. You can "flip to the other side" of a page or stand at the side of a building.
Beyond physical shape, "side" often refers to one of two or more opposing parts or positions. We talk about the two sides of an argument, the sides in a war, or the left and right sides of the body. This meaning also extends to support: asking "Are you on my side?" is a way to ask whether someone agrees with you or stands with you.
"Side" can also suggest something that is next to, added to, or connected with something else. A "side dish" comes with the main meal, and a "side street" branches off from a larger road. You might have a "side hustle," meaning extra work you do in addition to your main job. In a more figurative way, "side" can mean one part of a person's character, as in your "serious side" or your "fun side." It also appears in common phrases like "side effects," which are extra effects of a medicine, often unwanted ones. Whether it points to a physical part, a position in a conflict, an added thing, or one aspect of someone's personality, the word "side" helps describe parts, roles, and points of view.
Examples
- 1
Card surfaces
Please write on both sides of the card.
- 2
Across a boundary
The museum is just on the other side of the bridge.
- 3
Body position
He was lying on his side, staring at the ceiling.
- 4
City area
They recently moved to the east side of the city.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Physical arrangement
The two photos are shown side by side.
- Phraseside by side
next to each other
- 6
Disagreement
Before you judge, try to hear both sides of the story.
- 7
Personal support
I'm on your side, so tell me what happened.
- Phrasebe on someone's side
support them
- 8
Restaurant food
The chicken comes with salad on the side.
- Phraseon the side
served separately from the main food
- 9
Medical effects
This medicine can cause side effects like dry mouth.
- 10
Optimism
Try to look on the bright side.
- Phraselook on the bright side
think about the good part of a bad situation
- 11
Choosing support
The twins were arguing, but their dad refused to take sides.
- Phrasetake sides
support one person or group against another
- 12
Workplace dispute
In the end, most workers sided with the union.
- Patternside with + person/group
support them in a disagreement
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sidenounverbadjective
Forms
- sidespluralnounverbadjective
- sidedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- siding-ing formverbnounadjective