Alongside Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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alongside
[əˈlɔŋˌsaɪd ]
Definitions
used in a sentence
Beside someone or something; next to someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| alongside |
Describes being side by side with something or someone, often suggesting cooperation or comparison.
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| beside |
Indicates being directly next to something or someone, often used for physical proximity.
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| next to |
Used to indicate very close proximity, often interchangeable with 'beside' but can imply even closer adjacency.
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| parallel to |
Describes two things running side by side with equal distance between them, often used in geometrical or planning contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She sat alongside her brother at the table.
- He parked his car alongside mine.
used in a sentence
Next to or beside someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| alongside |
Used when something is positioned in close proximity to another thing, often in a supportive or cooperative manner. Common in formal or professional contexts.
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| beside |
Often descriptive of physical position, used to indicate that something is next to or close to another item.
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| next to |
Common in everyday language, used to indicate direct proximity or adjacency to something.
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| parallel to |
Used in a more technical or descriptive sense, indicating that two things are aligned and equidistant along their lengths but do not touch.
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Examples of usage
- He walked alongside the river.
- The new building will be built alongside the old one.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many poems, writers use 'alongside' to describe companionship, enhancing themes of friendship and unity.
- Classic novels often utilize the word to depict characters who share journeys or experiences together, enriching narrative depth.
- The term's usage symbolizes both literal and emotional closeness in storytelling.
Psychology
- Research indicates that social support, often described as feeling 'alongside' friends or family, is crucial for mental health.
- Experiencing life alongside others can enhance feelings of belonging and reduce loneliness.
- The essence of 'alongside' in relationships emphasizes interdependence and shared experiences, essential for wellbeing.
Pop Culture
- Songs often feature the concept of being 'alongside' loved ones, portraying themes of loyalty and support in relationships.
- Movies with strong friendship plots often emphasize characters who face challenges alongside each other, showcasing teamwork.
- The term is popular in sports commentary to describe players working together on the field.
Education
- In collaborative learning, students work alongside each other to enhance understanding and skills.
- Teaching methods that involve learning alongside peers are shown to improve social interaction and knowledge retention.
- Being alongside a mentor or teacher can significantly impact a learner's educational journey.
Origin of 'alongside'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English, combining 'a-' meaning 'on' with 'longside,' which means 'the side of.'
- The usage dates back to the 14th century in English literature, showing its long-standing presence in the language.
- It highlights the notion of proximity, establishing both physical and metaphorical connections.
The word 'alongside' originated from the combination of 'along' and 'side'. The term has been in use since the 18th century and has evolved to represent the idea of being next to or beside someone or something. Over time, 'alongside' has become a common adverb and preposition in the English language, frequently used in various contexts to indicate proximity or parallel positioning.
See also: along, long, longed, longevity, longing, longingly, longings, longness, oblong, prolong.