Language Research

side · noun

/saɪd/Full view

side (PART)

A2 C one of the two parts that something would divide into if you drew a line down the middle

Dictionary examples:

He likes to sleep on the right side of the bed.

In Britain, cars drive on the left side of the road.

There is no money on my mother's side (of the family).

I could just see Joan on the far/other side of the room.

Children came running from all sides.

Learner example:

It's an interest[ing] place because the Lake has a road through which cars can go to the other side of the Lake. (Key English Test; A2; Bengali)

side (SURFACE)

A2 C a flat outer surface of an object, especially one that is not the top or the bottom

Dictionary examples:

The names of ships are usually painted on their sides.

My room is at the side of the house.

Please write on one side of the paper only.

Canadian coins have a picture of the Queen's head on one side.

Please use the side entrance.

Learner example:

It cost 152 Euro. It's black with silver stripes on the sides. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

side (EDGE)

A2 C an edge or border of something

Dictionary examples:

A square has four sides.

There are trees on both sides of the road.

They were surrounded on every side by curious children.

Learner example:

We are going to paint one side of the room orange and the others w[h]ite. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

side (NEXT TO)

B1 U the area next to something

Dictionary examples:

I have a small table at/by the side of my bed.

He stood at/by her side as she welcomed the guests one by one.

Learner example:

Linda is by my side right now and she asks [me to] send you a warm hug. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

side (PART OF SITUATION)

B2 C usually no plural part of a situation that can be considered or dealt with separately

Dictionary example:

She looks after the financial side of things.

Learner example:

Finally, I think for me the most important [thing] is to enjoy life - don't be worried [about] little things and always find the funny side of each situation. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

side (CHARACTER)

B2 C usually no plural a part of someone's character

Dictionary example:

She has a very practical side.

Learner example:

In fact the film describes the actions of this politi[c]ian, also saying something not very "Politically Correct", but true: he reveals that no one is always good, everyone has a dark hidden side. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

side by side

B2 If two things or people are side by side, they are next to each other.

Dictionary example:

We sat side by side on the sofa.

Learner example:

It is not rare to see two people walking side by side, both talking on the phone. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

from side to side

B2 If something moves from side to side, it moves from left to right and back again repeatedly.

Dictionary example:

swinging from side to side

Learner example:

I began to understand it when I went [to] Kenya in 1986, because I had the wonderful chance to look at the animals in their natural [surroundings], without being in a cage, walking nervously from side to side. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

side (OPPOSING GROUP)

B2 C + singular or plural verb one of the people or groups who are arguing, fighting, or competing

Dictionary examples:

Whose side is he on?

Whenever we argue he always takes Alice's side .

This is a war which neither side can win.

Don't be angry with me - I'm on your side.

Learner example:

I hope you'll be on my side. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

side (OPINION)

B2 C a way of considering something, especially when there is disagreement about it

Dictionary examples:

There are at least two sides to every question.

I've listened to your side of the story, but I still think you were wrong to do what you did.

Learner example:

This shows the other side of technology. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

side (SPORT)

C2 C + singular or plural verb the players in a sports team

Dictionary examples:

He's been selected for the national side.

Our side lost again on Saturday.

Learner example:

He also plays football for a local side regularly. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

look on the bright side

C1 to find good things in a bad situation

Dictionary example:

Look on the bright side - no one was badly hurt.

Learner example:

I am quite self-confident and I usually look on the bright side, as I am not keen on pessimistic thoughts. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

put sth to one side

C2 to not use or deal with something now, but keep it for a later time

Dictionary example:

She put the papers to one side, intending to read them later.

on the side

C2 in addition to your main job

Dictionary example:

She does a bit of bar work on the side.

Learner example:

At work, they gave her the worst jobs to do. She knew she didn't have much choice but she still tried to find something else on the side. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

side (RELATIVES)

C2 the part of your family who are either your mother's relatives or your father's relatives

Dictionary example:

They tend to be tall on my mother's side of the family.

Learner example:

Both on my father's side as well as on my mother's side of the family we formed a close knit group. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

side (BODY)

C2 the two areas of your body from under your arms to the tops of your legs

Dictionary examples:

Stand with your arms by your sides.

She lay on her side.

at/by your side ()

C2 If you have someone at/by your side, they support you and help you.

Dictionary example:

With Dan at my side, I felt I could do anything.

Learner example:

She really needed someone by her side, someone to lean on and share her worries. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)