aisle
aisle
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "aisle" is /aɪl/.
/aɪ/ - as in the "i" in "kite"
/l/ - as in the "l" in "light"
Word Form Variations
Singular: aisle
Plural: aisles
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A passage between sections of seats in a church, theater, airplane, or other public building.
Synonyms: passage, walkway, corridor, lane
Antonyms: block, section (in the sense of an unbroken mass of seats)
A passageway between shelves of goods in a supermarket or other large store.
Synonyms: lane, passage, way, alley (informal)
Antonyms: wall, shelf (referring to the display itself, not the space between)
Examples of Use
Books: "He pushed his cart slowly down the frozen foods aisle, debating between pizza and fish sticks for dinner" (From a contemporary novel, specific title not provided for brevity).
Newspapers: "The airline announced plans to add more legroom to its economy class, promising wider aisles for easier boarding and deplaning" ( The Wall Street Journal).
Online Publications: "How to navigate the beauty aisle: A guide to understanding product labels and ingredients" ( Glamour Magazine Online).
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the movie When Harry Met Sally..., there's a memorable scene set in a grocery store where Harry and Sally walk down an aisle discussing relationships.
Television: During a recent episode of The Good Doctor, a patient collapsed in a hospital aisle, prompting an emergency response from the medical team.
Music: The phrase "walking down the aisle" is a common idiom in many love songs, referring to a wedding ceremony.
General Public Discourse:
"Excuse me, could you move your bag? You're blocking the aisle." (Heard in a crowded movie theater).
"The flight attendant asked everyone to keep the aisles clear during takeoff and landing." (Common announcement on an airplane).
"I always get lost in the cereal aisle; there are just too many choices!" (Casual conversation among friends).
"The bride looked radiant as she walked down the aisle with her father." (Description of a wedding ceremony).
10 Quotes Using Aisle
"As I walked down the aisle, I realized that the only thing that mattered was love." (From a film, exact source debated)
"The two parties have become so polarized, it's hard to imagine them ever meeting in the middle aisle again." (Attributed to various political commentators)
"I always prefer an aisle seat on an airplane; it's easier to stretch my legs." (Common sentiment, often attributed to travelers)
"Getting married means walking down an aisle to a new beginning." (General sentiment, widely expressed)
"Our goal is to build bridges, not deeper divides in the political aisle." (Attributed to various political figures)
"She gracefully glided down the church aisle, a vision in white." (From various literary descriptions of weddings)
"Don't block the aisle; people need to get through." (Common everyday instruction)
"The supermarket aisle is a battlefield of marketing and choices." (Attributed to consumer behavior analysts)
"He made his way through the crowded aisle, trying to find his seat." (Descriptive passage from various narratives)
"The Gone with the Wind premiere was filled with stars, all eagerly watching Vivien Leigh walk the red carpet, as if it were an aisle." (Historical description of event)
Etymology
The word "aisle" has a bit of a winding path to its current spelling and meaning!
It started in the late 14th century in Middle English as "ele" or "ile." This came from the Old French word "ele," which meant "wing." This French word, in turn, came from the Latin word "ala," also meaning "wing."
So, its very first known meaning in English was related to architecture, specifically referring to a "lateral division of a church," like the side parts of a church nave (the main central area) that are usually separated by pillars, almost like the "wings" of the building.
Over time, things got a little confusing. From the 15th century onwards, "aisle" got mixed up with the unrelated word "isle" (meaning "island"). This confusion caused "aisle" to pick up an unnecessary "s" in its spelling around the 17th century, just like "isle" had. Later, in the 18th century, an "a-" was added to the beginning, influenced by the French word "aile" (which also means "wing").
This long journey of spelling changes and confusion with "isle" eventually led to our modern "aisle," and the meaning expanded beyond just church architecture to include any passage between rows of seats or shelves, like in theaters, airplanes, or supermarkets.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Aisle
Walk down the aisle: To get married.
Cross the aisle: For politicians or parties to cooperate or find common ground with those from the opposing side.
The frozen food aisle: A specific section in a grocery store.
An aisle seat: A seat on a plane, bus, or in a theater that is next to a passage.
The cereal aisle: Another specific section in a grocery store.
Blocking the aisle: Obstructing a passageway.
Clear the aisle: An instruction to remove obstructions from a passageway.
Run the gauntlet of the aisles: To navigate a busy or challenging shopping experience (using "aisle" metaphorically for the path).
Navigate the treacherous aisle of decisions: Facing many choices or obstacles (original phrase using "aisle" for a difficult path).
Stick to your own aisle: To mind your own business or stay within your own area of expertise/concern.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of aisle from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
