# side

/ˈsaɪd/ (US) · /sˈaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/side
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. edge or surface

noun · CEFR A2

the edge of a flat shape or one of the flat surfaces of an object.

For teachers: a bounding edge of a two-dimensional polygon or a face of a three-dimensional solid.

- A square has four equal sides and four corners.
- The architect specified that each side of the pyramid should be clad in reflective glass to mirror the surrounding desert landscape.

### 2. part of the body

noun · CEFR A2

the part of your body between your chest and your back.

For teachers: the lateral portion of the human torso, specifically the area between the anterior and posterior planes.

- He felt a sharp pain in his left side after running for an hour.
- The patient reported persistent discomfort along her right side, which the doctor suspected was related to a strained intercostal muscle.

### 3. a team or faction

noun · CEFR A2

a group of people or a team that is competing against another group.

For teachers: one of two or more opposing groups or teams in a conflict, competition, or debate.

- Which side are you on in this argument?
- The local side managed to secure a victory in the final minutes of the match, much to the delight of the home crowd.

### 4. a point of view

noun · CEFR B1

one part of a situation or a person's character.

For teachers: a particular aspect or perspective of a complex situation, personality, or argument.

- You need to listen to her side of the story before you get angry.
- The documentary attempts to show every side of the political crisis without appearing to favour any specific agenda.

### 5. side dish

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a small amount of food served with the main part of a meal.

For teachers: a food item served as an accompaniment to the primary course of a meal.

- I ordered a steak with a side of mashed potatoes.
- The restaurant offers a variety of seasonal sides, including roasted root vegetables and a crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette.

### 6. to support someone

verb · CEFR B2

to support one person or group in an argument or war.

For teachers: to align oneself with a particular person or group in a dispute or conflict; usually used with the preposition 'with'.

- The children usually side with their mother when their parents disagree.
- Historically, the smaller nations tended to side with whichever superpower offered the most favourable trade agreements and security guarantees.

### 7. secondary or lateral

adjective · CEFR B1

coming from or located at the side; not the most important part.

For teachers: positioned at or directed toward the side; secondary in importance or incidental to the main subject.

- We used the side entrance because the front door was locked.
- The report focused on the primary economic impact, leaving the side effects on local culture for a future study.

## Examples

- Please sit by my side during the movie.
- The waiter asked if I wanted a side of fries or a salad with my burger.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.