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side
/saɪd/
one of two opposing parts
She sat on the side of the bed.
She sat on one of the two opposing parts of the bed.
general
one of two opposing parts or surfaces of something
The left side of the page was blank.
One of the two opposing surfaces of the page was empty.
Can refer to physical sides or metaphorical divisions.
general
a position or role in a conflict or dispute
He took her side in the argument.
He supported her position in the disagreement.
Often used in expressions like 'take sides' or 'choose sides'.
informal
a person's family or relatives
My side of the family is from Italy.
My relatives are from Italy.
Common in phrases like 'my side' or 'his side'.
Collocations
take sidesto support one party in a conflicton the sidein addition to the main thingside effectan unintended consequence
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Physical vs. Metaphorical
Remember that 'side' can refer to physical divisions (e.g., sides of a road) or metaphorical positions (e.g., taking sides in an argument).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider the context to determine whether 'side' is being used literally or figuratively.
Word Origin
Old English 'sīde', from Proto-Germanic 'sīdō' (long side). Related to Old Norse 'síða' and Old High German 'sīta'.
Usage Notes
Can be used literally (physical sides) or metaphorically (positions in conflicts).
Word Breakdown
side
one of two opposing parts
rootEnglish Dictionary