side
side
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "side" is /saɪd/.
/saɪd/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: side
Plural Noun: sides
Verb (base form): side
Verb (third-person singular present): sides
Verb (present participle): siding
Verb (past tense/past participle): sided
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A surface forming an outer boundary or limiting part of an object, especially one that is not the front, back, top, or bottom.
Synonyms: edge, flank, surface, face
Antonyms: center, interior
Definition 2: One of two or more contrasting or opposing aspects, viewpoints, or groups involved in a situation or conflict.
Synonyms: aspect, facet, perspective, party, faction
Antonyms: whole, unity, neutrality
Definition 3: The part of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip.
Synonyms: flank, hip
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a specific body part)
Definition 4: A particular direction or position with respect to a center or point of reference.
Synonyms: direction, way, quarter
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a specific spatial concept)
Verb
Definition 1: To support or align oneself with one party or faction in a dispute or conflict.
Synonyms: support, favor, back, align with, take sides
Antonyms: oppose, contradict, remain neutral, side against
Examples of Use
Books: "He always had a mischievous side to his personality, which endeared him to some and annoyed others."
Newspapers: "The new city council member vowed to always vote on the side of affordable housing initiatives." ( The Daily Herald)
Online Publications: "As cryptocurrency gains mainstream acceptance, many investors are wondering which side of the volatile market to bet on." (TechCrunch)
Film (Entertainment Medium): In the film "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back," Darth Vader famously tells Luke Skywalker, "Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as father and son! Come to the dark side."
Television (Entertainment Medium): A character in a medical drama might say, "We need to get her on her side immediately to prevent aspiration."
Music (Entertainment Medium): Lyrics from a song might include, "Every side of me is yearning for a change."
Podcasts (Entertainment Platform): A true-crime podcast host might ask, "Do you think the jury ultimately leaned to the prosecution's side or the defense's side?"
Social Media (Online Platform): A tweet might read, "So glad to see so many people on the side of environmental protection this Earth Day!"
General Public Discourse: During a political debate, one candidate might argue, "It's time for our country to come together and put aside partisan differences to work for the common good, not just one side."
General Public Discourse: At a restaurant, a diner might ask, "Could I get a side of fries with that burger?"
10 Quotes Using Side
"Every side of a story is worth hearing." (Oprah Winfrey)
"There are two sides to every story, but only one truth." (Unknown)
"The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural." (Palpatine, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith)
"Always look on the bright side of life." (Monty Python)
"On the side of a hill, a lonely goat herd." (From "The Lonely Goatherd" in The Sound of Music)
"If you want the best side of people, bring out the best in yourself." (Unknown)
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. It's just a different side of the street." (A paraphrase of Oscar Wilde)
"Never take sides against the family." (Don Vito Corleone, The Godfather)
"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." (Proverb)
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish, when we stand together on the side of progress." (Kamala Harris)
Etymology
The word "side" has a long history, going back to Old English (before 1150 AD). It comes from the Old English word "sīde," which meant "flank" (the part of the body between the ribs and hip) or "the long part or aspect of anything."
Basically, its very first known meaning was about the physical side of a body or an object – that long, bordering surface. This Old English word itself came from an even older Germanic root, *sīdǭ, which also carried the idea of "side, flank, edge, or shore." This suggests that the concept of a "side" as a boundary or a distinct part of something has been around for a very long time in the Germanic languages.
Over time, the meaning of "side" broadened. While it started with physical dimensions, it eventually grew to include more abstract ideas like a "viewpoint" in an argument, a "party" in a conflict, or an "aspect" of something.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Side
On the side: As a secondary or supplementary activity, often for extra income (e.g., "She works as a teacher but does graphic design on the side.")
Take sides: To support one person or group in an argument or dispute against another.
Side with: To agree with or support one person or group in an argument.
Bright side: The more optimistic or positive aspect of a situation (e.g., "Always look on the bright side.").
Dark side: The negative, evil, or less appealing aspect of something or someone.
The other side of the coin: Another, often contrasting, aspect or viewpoint of a situation.
From all sides: From every direction or perspective.
Side by side: Next to each other, often working together.
On the right side of: To be in a favorable or advantageous position, or to be correct about something.
On the wrong side of: To be in an unfavorable or disadvantageous position, or to be incorrect about something.
Side effect: An unintended and typically undesirable consequence of a drug or medical treatment.
A soft side: A more gentle, compassionate, or sensitive aspect of one's character.
The other side of the tracks: Referring to a poorer or less desirable part of a town or community.
Come down on one side or the other: To make a definitive choice or decision in a dispute.
To side with caution: To choose a more careful or less risky approach.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of side from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
