side

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   One of the surfaces of an object, especially a surface that is not the top, bottom, front or back.

   Grammar: Counted like any noun: the side of the box, both sides.

   Patterns

   • the side of something
   • on the side of something

   Write your name on the side of the box.

   The paint is peeling on one side of the house.

   Each side of a cube is a square.

2. 2nouncountable

   A position or area to the left or right of a central point or line.

   Grammar: Often with 'the' and 'of': the left side of the road.

   Patterns

   • on the left side of something
   • on either side of something

   Cars drive on the left side of the road in the UK.

   There are shops on either side of the street.

   Sit on this side of the table.

3. 3nouncountable

   One of two or more opposing groups or positions in a game, argument or conflict.

   Grammar: Often used with a possessive: my side, the other side; can take a singular or plural verb in British English.

   Patterns

   • take someone's side
   • be on someone's side
   • on the side of someone

   Whose side are you on in this argument?

   Both sides agreed to a ceasefire.

   The home side won by two goals.

4. 4nouncountable

   One aspect or part of a situation, a person's character or a subject.

   Grammar: Usually with an adjective or a possessive: the bright side, her creative side.

   Patterns

   • the bright side of something
   • a side to someone

   There is a funny side to every disaster.

   He showed a gentler side after the accident.

   Look at the practical side of the plan.

5. 5nouncountableinformal

   A separate dish served with a main course, or an extra job done in addition to a main one.

   Grammar: Usually used in phrases like a side of fries or a side job.

   Patterns

   • a side of something
   • on the side

   I'll have the burger with a side of coleslaw.

   She does web design as a side job.

   He sells honey on the side.

6. 6adjectivebefore a noun

   Located at the side of something, or less important than the main part.

   Grammar: Always used before a noun: a side door, a side effect.

   Patterns

   • a side something

   Use the side entrance after nine o'clock.

   The medicine has a few side effects.

   They took a side road to avoid the traffic.

Word forms

Common combinations

take sides

I don't want to take sides in their argument.

side by side

The two houses stand side by side.

on the side

He earns extra money on the side.

the other side

The shop is on the other side of town.

side effect

Sleepiness is a common side effect of the pills.

look on the bright side

Look on the bright side, at least nobody was hurt.

Synonyms and how they differ

edge

Edge is the line where a surface ends, while side is the whole flat part next to it.

flank

Flank is used for the side of a body, a hill or an army, and is more specific and formal.

face

Face means a flat surface of a solid, usually the front, and is more technical than side.

aspect

Aspect is a formal word for one part of a situation, similar to side in the fourth sense.

Opposites

Word family

sideways adverb

toward one side

sidelong adjective

directed to one side, as in a sidelong glance

sided adjective

having a certain number or kind of sides, as in six-sided

aside adverb

to one side

inside noun

the inner part of something

Commonly confused: side or site?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “side”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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