side
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for side, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — One of the surfaces or edges of an object, or one of two halves (left/right, front/back) of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use side
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sīde ("side, flank"), from a Germanic root related to Proto-Indo-European words for "long" or "lasting".
Full origin of side →Frequently asked questions
What does “side” mean?
The word “side” means one of the surfaces or edges of an object, or one of two halves (left/right, front/back) of something. In plain terms, a surface, edge, half, team, viewpoint, or accompanying dish — one of many senses all built around the idea of "one part of a whole".
How do you pronounce “side”?
“Side” is pronounced SYD (/ˈsaɪ̯d/ in IPA).
How do you use “side” in a sentence?
Here is “side” used in a sentence: “Write your name on the other side of the page.”
What part of speech is “side”?
Depending on how it is used, “side” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “side” come from?
The word “side” comes from Old English. From Old English sīde ("side, flank"), from a Germanic root related to Proto-Indo-European words for "long" or "lasting".
Is “side” a common word?
“Side” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “side” have?
“Side” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the surfaces or edges of an object, or one of two halves (left/right, front/back) of something.
What is the difference between a side and an edge?
An edge is the line where two surfaces meet, like the sharp rim of a table. A side is usually a whole surface or face, or one half of something — the left side, the far side. So a box has flat sides but sharp edges where those sides come together.
What are the different meanings of 'side'?
'Side' has several senses. It can mean a surface or edge of an object, one of two halves such as left and right, a team or group in a contest ('our side won'), or one point of view in an argument ('hear both sides'). Context makes the meaning clear.
How many sides does a shape have?
It depends on the shape. A triangle has three sides, a square or rectangle has four, a pentagon five, and so on. In flat geometry each side is one of the straight edges forming the outline. A circle, having no straight edges, is usually described as having no sides at all.
What is an example of 'side' in a sentence?
You might say, 'Write on both sides of the paper,' meaning its surfaces, or 'She sat on the other side of the room,' meaning one half of a space. 'Side' can also mean allegiance, as in 'Whose side are you on?'