side
n. · v. · adj.-
1 edge or surface (n.) A2 Elementary Maththe edge of a flat shape or one of the flat surfaces of an object.
a bounding edge of a two-dimensional polygon or a face of a three-dimensional solid.
ExampleA square has four equal sides and four corners.
ExampleThe architect specified that each side of the pyramid should be clad in reflective glass to mirror the surrounding desert landscape.
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2 part of the body (n.) A2 Elementarythe part of your body between your chest and your back.
the lateral portion of the human torso, specifically the area between the anterior and posterior planes.
ExampleHe felt a sharp pain in his left side after running for an hour.
ExampleThe patient reported persistent discomfort along her right side, which the doctor suspected was related to a strained intercostal muscle.
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3 a team or faction (n.) A2 Elementary Sporta group of people or a team that is competing against another group.
one of two or more opposing groups or teams in a conflict, competition, or debate.
ExampleWhich side are you on in this argument?
ExampleThe local side managed to secure a victory in the final minutes of the match, much to the delight of the home crowd.
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4 a point of view (n.) B1 Intermediateone part of a situation or a person's character.
a particular aspect or perspective of a complex situation, personality, or argument.
ExampleYou need to listen to her side of the story before you get angry.
ExampleThe documentary attempts to show every side of the political crisis without appearing to favour any specific agenda.
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5 side dish (n.) B1 Intermediate Informal Cookinga small amount of food served with the main part of a meal.
a food item served as an accompaniment to the primary course of a meal.
ExampleI ordered a steak with a side of mashed potatoes.
ExampleThe restaurant offers a variety of seasonal sides, including roasted root vegetables and a crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- accompaniment
- side order
- main course
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6 to support someone (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto support one person or group in an argument or war.
to align oneself with a particular person or group in a dispute or conflict; usually used with the preposition 'with'.
ExampleThe children usually side with their mother when their parents disagree.
ExampleHistorically, the smaller nations tended to side with whichever superpower offered the most favourable trade agreements and security guarantees.
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7 secondary or lateral (adj.) B1 Intermediatecoming from or located at the side; not the most important part.
positioned at or directed toward the side; secondary in importance or incidental to the main subject.
ExampleWe used the side entrance because the front door was locked.
ExampleThe report focused on the primary economic impact, leaving the side effects on local culture for a future study.
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.
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”).