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side

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈsaɪd// UK //sˈaɪd// side Archaic Dialect General-service Informal Slang

n. one of the flat surfaces of an object, or a position next to someone. It can also mean a team in a game or a small amount of food served with a main meal.

n. a surface of an object that is not the top, bottom, front, or back; alternatively, one of the two surfaces of a flat object. Also refers to a faction or team in a conflict or competition.


SIMPLE

Please sit by my side during the movie.

CONTEXTUAL

The waiter asked if I wanted a side of fries or a salad with my burger.

COMPLEX

In any complex political debate, it is rare for one side to hold a monopoly on the truth, as both parties usually present valid concerns.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English side, from Old English sīde (“side, flank”), from Proto-Germanic sīdǭ (“side, flank, edge, shore”), from Proto-Indo-European sēy- (“to send, throw, drop, sow, deposit”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Siede (“side”), West Frisian side (“side”), Dutch zijde, zij (“side”), German Low German Sied (“side”), German Seite (“side”), Danish and Norwegian side (“side”), Swedish sida (“side”). The LGBTQ slang sense was coined by sex therapist and author Joe Kort in 2010 and popularized in 2013. The sense was coined by analogy with top and bottom and based on the metaphor of a box which has a top, bottom, and sides.

Etymology 2

From Middle English side, syde, syd, from Old English sīd (“wide, broad, spacious, ample, extensive, vast, far-reaching”), from Proto-West Germanic sīd, from Proto-Germanic sīdaz (“drooping, hanging, low, excessive, extra”), from Proto-Indo-European *sēy- (“to send, throw, drop, sow, deposit”). Cognate with obsolete Dutch zijd (“wide, vast”), Low German sied (“low”), Swedish sid (“long, hanging down”), Icelandic síður (“low hanging, long”).

Usage

Often used with the prepositions 'by' or 'on'. When referring to food, it is frequently used as a shortened form of 'side dish'.

Idioms20 entries

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