Bedside: meaning, definitions and examples
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bedside
[ ˈbɛdˌsaɪd ]
furniture area
A bedside refers to the area next to a bed, often used for placing a lamp, alarm clock, or personal items. It can also denote a bedside table or nightstand, which serves as a small storage space for books, medications, or personal effects.
Synonyms
bedside table, nightstand
Examples of usage
- She placed her book on the bedside.
- He reached for his glasses from the bedside table.
- The lamp on the bedside provides a soft glow at night.
proximity to bed
Bedside, as an adjective, describes something that is located or situated beside a bed. It often relates to objects or activities that are close to where one sleeps, such as bedside reading or bedside manner.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He is known for his excellent bedside manner.
- She has a collection of bedside books.
- They keep their phone on the bedside.
Etymology
The term 'bedside' is a compound word formed in English from 'bed,' which originates from the Old English 'bedda' meaning a place for sleeping or resting, and 'side,' from the Old English 'side,' meaning the lateral aspect or part of something. The first recorded use of 'bedside' appeared in the 14th century, referring to the area next to a bed. Over time, 'bedside' has evolved to include not only the physical space beside a bed but also concepts associated with caregiving, such as 'bedside manner,' which relates to how caregivers interact with patients. The development of the word reflects the changing nature of personal and medical care, emphasizing comfort and support in intimate environments.