side

One part of something, such as its left or right half.

• Sleep on your left side.
• The car has a door on each side.
• Which side of the road do people drive on here?

How to use it: on the side of something (There is a door on the side of the van.)

Similar words: half

Common phrases: left side, right side, both sides, side of something

One of the straight edges around a flat shape.

• A triangle has three sides.
• Measure the longest side of the rectangle.
• All four sides of this shape are equal.

How to use it: a side of something (Each side of the square is five centimetres long.)

Similar words: edge

Common phrases: side length, one side, side of something

An area next to something, often described by its direction.

• The entrance is on the east side.
• We planted trees on the north side of the school.
• There is a small café by the side of the river.

How to use it: on the ... side of something (The garden is on the south side of the house.); by the side of something (She stood by the side of the road.)

Common phrases: east side, north side, side of something, by the side

One part of a situation or character that you can consider separately.

• Try to see the positive side.
• There is a practical side to this question.
• The trip showed us a different side of her personality.

How to use it: the ... side of something (We need to discuss the practical side of the plan.)

Similar words: aspect

Common phrases: positive side, plus side, bright side, side of something

One of the two surfaces of a sheet of paper.

• Write your name on this side.
• The other side of the sheet is blank.
• Can this printer print on both sides?

How to use it: on one/both sides of something (Print on both sides of the paper.)

Similar words: face

Common phrases: both sides, blank side, other side

One of the teams competing in a game.

• Which side won the match?
• The home side scored twice before half-time.
• Both sides played well despite the rain.

Similar words: team

Common phrases: winning side, home side, opposing side

Less central or important than the main thing; added beside it.

• That is only a side issue.
• His side remark made everyone laugh.
• We should settle the main question before discussing side issues.

Similar words: secondary, incidental

Opposites: main, central

Common phrases: side issue, side remark, side comment

To support a person or group in an argument or conflict.

• I usually side with my sister.
• The judge sided with the workers.
• Why did you side against us in that dispute?

How to use it: side with someone (She sided with her brother in the argument.); side against someone (The council sided against the developer.)

Similar words: support, back

Opposites: oppose

Common phrases: side with someone, side against someone