Lopsided Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lopsided
[ˈlɒpˌsaɪdɪd ]
Definitions
description
Having one side or part that is larger or heavier than the other. Not symmetrical.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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'.
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Examples of usage
- The lopsided bookshelf leaned to one side.
- Her lopsided grin showed her amusement.
score
Characterized by an unequal score or result in a competition or comparison.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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Examples of usage
- The team suffered a lopsided defeat.
- The lopsided voting favored one candidate over the others.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'lopsided'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'lopsided' originated from the combination of 'lop' meaning 'hang limply,' and 'side,' indicating one of the two halves of an object. The word has been in use since the early 19th century and has evolved to describe not only physical imbalances but also figurative disparities in various contexts.
See also: lopsidedly, lopsidedness.