Sidelong: meaning, definitions and examples

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sidelong

[ˈsaɪdˌlɔŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

glance

Having or showing a sideways or oblique inclination or direction; not straight or direct.

Synonyms

indirect, oblique, sideways, slanting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sidelong	Used to describe something done in a way that is not straightforward, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. She gave him a sidelong glance during the meeting
sideways	Typically used to describe physical movements or changes in direction that occur to the side, rather than forward or backward. He moved sideways to avoid the crowd
oblique	Often used in a more formal or literary context to describe something that is not stated directly, but rather hinted at in a subtle or ambiguous way. Her oblique comments left everyone wondering about the true meaning
indirect	Applied when referring to communication or actions that are not expressed or carried out in a clear, straightforward manner, usually to avoid confrontation. He made an indirect reference to the problems in their relationship
slanting	Mostly used to describe physical orientations or visual perspectives that are tilted at an angle rather than being vertical or horizontal. The slanting roof of the cabin shed the rain effectively

Examples of usage

He gave her a sidelong glance to see if she was paying attention.
She shot him a sidelong look before turning away.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

glance

In a sideways or oblique manner.

Synonyms

indirectly, obliquely, sideways.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sidelong	Used to describe a glance or look that is not direct, often cautious or secretive. She gave him a sidelong glance, unsure if he recognized her. He avoided looking directly at her, choosing instead a sidelong view.
sideways	Used to describe a movement or direction to the side; can also describe a glance or look that is cast to the side without direct eye contact. He looked sideways, trying to catch a glimpse without being noticed. The car moved sideways, trying to avoid the obstacle.
obliquely	Used when something is done or said in a not straightforward manner, often implying a hint or subtleness; can sometimes carry negative connotations of evasiveness. She mentioned the problem obliquely, hoping he would understand her meaning. The politician answered the question obliquely, avoiding a direct response.
indirectly	Used when referring to something that is not done or said in a direct way; often involves a roundabout manner or hinting. He indirectly suggested that we need to improve our results. You can learn a lot indirectly by observing people's actions.

Examples of usage

He looked sidelong at the door, wondering who was behind it.
She walked past him, casting a sidelong glance in his direction.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sidelong' originates from Middle English, combining 'side' and 'long,' meaning alongside or to the side.
In Old English, similar words referred to movement or position away from the center.
Sidelong has been used in literature since at least the 14th century, showcasing its long-standing place in the English language.

Literature

Writers often use 'sidelong' to describe actions with a sneaky or furtive quality, adding depth to characters' behavior.
In poetry, sidelong glances or movements can symbolize secrecy or introspection, creating a sense of mystery.
Notable authors like Shakespeare have employed the term to illustrate subtle interpersonal dynamics.

Psychology

Sidelong glances in social situations can indicate curiosity or judgment, influencing social interactions.
Research suggests that indirect gaze can be a way to assess someone’s emotions without direct confrontation.
People often perceive sidelong looks as non-verbal cues, hinting at underlying feelings or intentions.

Pop Culture

In film and television, characters often use sidelong glances to express feelings like suspicion or attraction without words.
Sidelong stares are frequently employed in suspenseful scenes to build tension and hint at hidden truths.
Memes and online content humorously depict sidelong looks to convey feelings of suspicion, envy, or amusement.

Art

Artists may depict figures looking sidelong to reflect emotions such as contemplation or intrigue in portraits.
Sidelong perspectives can create dynamic compositions in art, adding a layer of movement and interest.
The technique of framing subjects sidelong in photography can evoke a sense of candidness.

Translations

Translations of the word "sidelong" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de lado

🇮🇳 तरफा

🇩🇪 seitlich

🇮🇩 samping

🇺🇦 боковий

🇵🇱 boczny

🇯🇵 横の

🇫🇷 latéral

🇪🇸 lateral

🇹🇷 yandan

🇰🇷 옆의

🇸🇦 جانبي

🇨🇿 boční

🇸🇰 bočný

🇨🇳 侧面的

🇸🇮 stranski

🇮🇸 hliðstæður

🇰🇿 жақтан

🇬🇪 გვერდითი

🇦🇿 yan tərəfdən

🇲🇽 lateral

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,942, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26939 litigating
26940 sadism
26941 squeaking
26942 sidelong
26943 mown
26944 perihelion
26945 midair
...