adv
Uncommon
sideways
SYD-wayz
Sideways (adv) means Toward or from one side; not straight ahead. Example: “She glanced sideways at her brother during the ceremony.”
adv
1
Toward or from one side; not straight ahead.
"She glanced sideways at her brother during the ceremony."
adj
1
Moving neither up nor down, describing something stalled or flat, such as a market or a plan.
"Once we get out of this sideways economy, our figures will more accurately reflect what we're truly capable of."
"The negotiations went sideways after both parties refused to compromise."
How to use sideways
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo or from the side, or (informally) stuck flat with no progress.
Common pairings
glance sideways
go sideways
a sideways move
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more sideways
- Superlative
- most sideways
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She glanced _____ at her brother during the ceremony.
Etymology
From "side" plus the directional suffix "-ways".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sideways
See all rhymes for sideways →Frequently asked questions
What does “sideways” mean?
The word “sideways” means toward or from one side; not straight ahead. In plain terms, to or from the side, or (informally) stuck flat with no progress.
How do you pronounce “sideways”?
“Sideways” is pronounced SYD-wayz (/ˈsaɪdweɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “sideways” in a sentence?
Here is “sideways” used in a sentence: “She glanced sideways at her brother during the ceremony.”
What is another word for “sideways”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sideways” include askance, askant, askile, broadside, laterally and sideling.
What is the opposite of “sideways”?
The opposite of “sideways” — its antonyms — are backwards, directly, forwards and towards.
What part of speech is “sideways”?
Depending on how it is used, “sideways” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Is “sideways” a common word?
“Sideways” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sideways” have?
“Sideways” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: toward or from one side; not straight ahead.
What is the difference between "sideways" used as an adverb and as an adjective?
As an adverb, "sideways" describes movement toward or from one side rather than straight ahead, as in "she glanced sideways." As an adjective, it describes something stalled or flat rather than progressing, such as a "sideways market" or plan that isn't moving up or down.
What does it mean when something is described as going "sideways" in business or finance?
In business or financial contexts, going "sideways" describes a market, deal, or plan that is neither improving nor declining, effectively stalled or flat. This adjective use extends the literal sense of moving toward the side rather than forward.
What is the difference between "sideways" and "sidelong"?
Both words describe movement or direction toward one side rather than straight ahead. "Sideways" is the more common, general-purpose term, while "sidelong" is often reserved for describing glances or looks, as in "a sidelong glance."
