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Lopsided: meaning, definitions and examples

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lopsided

 

[ˈlɒpˌsaɪdɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Having one side or part that is larger or heavier than the other. Not symmetrical.

Synonyms

asymmetrical, uneven.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lopsided

This word is best used when describing something that is clearly heavier, larger, or more developed on one side than the other. It's often applied to physical objects, or figuratively to situations or distributions.

  • The table was lopsided because one of its legs was shorter than the others.
  • The competition was lopsided, with one team vastly outperforming the other.
uneven

This is a general term that can describe surfaces or distributions that are not level, smooth, or equal. It applies to both literal surfaces, like roads, and figurative distributions, like skill levels.

  • The path was so uneven that it was difficult to walk on without tripping.
  • The results of the experiment were uneven, with some outcomes much better than others.
asymmetrical

This word is appropriate when referring to something that does not have symmetry. It can describe objects, patterns, or even abstract concepts like relationships. It's more formal than 'lopsided'.

  • The artist intentionally designed the sculpture to be asymmetrical.
  • Their relationship was asymmetrical, with one partner giving much more than the other.

Examples of usage

  • The lopsided bookshelf leaned to one side.
  • Her lopsided grin showed her amusement.
Context #2 | Adjective

score

Characterized by an unequal score or result in a competition or comparison.

Synonyms

unequal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lopsided

This word is often used to describe something that is noticeably uneven or unbalanced, especially when one side is different from the other in a way that is easy to see.

  • The picture on the wall looks lopsided
  • Her smile was a bit lopsided, making her look charmingly imperfect

Examples of usage

  • The team suffered a lopsided defeat.
  • The lopsided voting favored one candidate over the others.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'lopsided' originated in the early 19th century, blending 'lop' (to hang down) and 'side' (one part of something).
  • It reflects the idea of something being uneven, as if one side has drooped down.
  • The 'lop' in 'lopsided' is associated with the Old English 'loppan', meaning to hang or droop.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people perceive lopsided faces as more attractive in certain contexts, as they can symbolize uniqueness.
  • Our brains naturally seek balance; seeing something lopsided can trigger feelings of discomfort.
  • Lopsidedness in performance or results often reflects personal growth, as it suggests an area of strength overshadowing weaknesses.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'lopsided victory' describes a sports match or competition where one side wins overwhelmingly.
  • In cartoons, characters often trip and fall in lopsided ways for comedic effect, highlighting imbalance.
  • Music can also be lopsided, with offbeat rhythms creating a distinctive style, as seen in certain modern genres.

Art

  • Artists often use lopsided compositions intentionally to create tension or draw attention to certain aspects of their work.
  • Lopsided sculptures can challenge conventional perceptions, making viewers ponder balance and form.
  • In photography, a lopsided framing can evoke feelings of imbalance, enhancing the emotional impact of an image.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, a lopsided shape may not conform to standard symmetries, making it interesting for study.
  • Lopsided data distributions can reveal insights about populations, helping statisticians understand variations.
  • The concept of imbalance is crucial in physics, especially in understanding forces acting on an object.

Translations

Translations of the word "lopsided" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desequilibrado

🇮🇳 असंतुलित

🇩🇪 unausgewogen

🇮🇩 tidak seimbang

🇺🇦 незбалансований

🇵🇱 nierówny

🇯🇵 不均衡な

🇫🇷 déséquilibré

🇪🇸 desequilibrado

🇹🇷 dengesiz

🇰🇷 불균형한

🇸🇦 غير متوازن

🇨🇿 nevyvážený

🇸🇰 nevyvážený

🇨🇳 不平衡的

🇸🇮 neuravnotežen

🇮🇸 ójafnvægi

🇰🇿 теңгерілмеген

🇬🇪 არათანაბარი

🇦🇿 tarazlı olmayan

🇲🇽 desequilibrado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,161, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.