Sides: meaning, definitions and examples

➡️
Add to dictionary

sides

 

[saɪdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

geometry

The two equal length lines that form the boundaries of a two-dimensional shape.

Synonyms

boundaries, edges, perimeters.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sides

Used to refer to any of the flat surfaces or faces of a geometric object or the parts that form the outside of something.

  • The box has four sides.
  • We painted the sides of the house.
edges

Refers to the line or point where an object or area ends. It is often used for tangible objects or surfaces and can imply sharpness.

  • Be careful with that knife; its edges are very sharp.
  • He sat on the edge of the cliff.
boundaries

Best used to indicate the dividing lines or limits between different areas, regions, or responsibilities. It often has a formal or legal tone.

  • The river forms the boundary between the two countries.
  • She set clear boundaries for her personal and professional life.
perimeters

Typically used in a mathematical or military context to describe the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or an area.

  • They calculated the perimeter of the rectangle.
  • The security guards patrolled the perimeter of the property.

Examples of usage

  • The square has four equal sides.
  • A triangle has three sides.
Context #2 | Noun

team

A particular aspect or feature of a situation, person, or thing.

Synonyms

angle, aspect, facet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sides

Used when referring to the two parts or positions in a conflict or discussion.

  • Both sides need to come to an agreement
  • Please choose which side you are on
aspect

Describes a particular part or feature of a situation, idea, or problem.

  • The technical aspect of the project is challenging
  • Let's discuss the financial aspects of the plan
facet

Refers to one side or part of something that is multi-dimensional, often used in a more complex or refined context.

  • Her personality has many fascinating facets
  • We need to consider every facet of this proposal
angle

Applied when looking at a perspective or viewpoint from which something can be considered.

  • Try looking at the problem from a different angle
  • What is your angle on this issue?

Examples of usage

  • The creative side of her personality.
  • Let's look at the positive side of this issue.
Context #3 | Noun

argument

One of the opposing parties or groups in a conflict or dispute.

Synonyms

faction, party, team.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sides

Used to refer to opposing groups or opinions in a conflict, argument, or competition.

  • In this debate, you need to choose sides.
  • Both sides of the conflict agreed to negotiate.
faction

Typically used to describe a small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one, often associated with a negative or rebellious connotation.

  • A faction within the party disagreed with the new policy.
  • The rebel faction caused disruptions across the region.
party

Often used in political contexts to describe a group of people with similar political goals or in social contexts to refer to a group of people gathering for an event.

  • She is a member of the opposition party.
  • We are having a birthday party this weekend.
team

Used to refer to a group of people working together to achieve a common goal, frequently in a work, sports, or project context.

  • Our team won the championship!
  • We need to work together as a team to complete this project.

Examples of usage

  • Which side are you on in this debate?
  • The two sides finally reached a compromise.
Context #4 | Verb

support

To align oneself with a particular person or group in a conflict or dispute.

Synonyms

align with, back, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sides

Use 'sides' when referring to taking one of the opposite positions in a dispute or competition.

  • She always sides with her sister during arguments
  • In the recent debate, he chose to side with the environmentalists
align with

Used in more formal contexts to describe agreement or cooperation with a person, group, or ideology.

  • His beliefs align with the company's mission
  • The new policy aligns with international standards
support

A general and versatile term, used to show agreement, encouragement, or aid for someone or something.

  • I support your decision to go back to school
  • She received emotional support from her friends during the tough time
back

Using 'back' generally suggests providing support or endorsement, often in practical or financial terms.

  • The senator decided to back the new education bill
  • Many companies are eager to back innovative startups

Examples of usage

  • I will side with my friend in this argument.
  • She decided to side with the opposition.

Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • In geometry, a triangle has three sides, a square has four sides, and a circle has none since it’s round.
  • The word for the corner where two sides meet is 'vertex'. Different shapes have different numbers of vertices!
  • In polygons, adding more sides increases the number of corners; a pentagon has five sides, while a hexagon has six.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the concept of 'sides' can represent different viewpoints in an argument, highlighting the importance of perspective.
  • Rituals and celebrations often present 'sides' of a community coming together, such as in traditional feasts where different dishes represent various backgrounds.
  • In sports, teams are divided into 'sides,' showcasing teamwork and the spirit of competition.

Psychology

  • The phrase 'seeing both sides' encourages empathy and understanding in discussions, important skills for conflict resolution.
  • A person's 'side' in any argument can be influenced by their background, experiences, and beliefs, demonstrating how perspectives are shaped.
  • Group dynamics often hinge on the idea of sides, where people may feel compelled to take sides during disagreements, affecting relationships.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often take 'sides' in conflicts, highlighting moral dilemmas and the complexity of human relationships.
  • Many stories explore the theme of choosing sides, where protagonists navigate loyalty and betrayal, adding depth to character development.
  • Classic tales like Romeo and Juliet showcase family sides that clash, illustrating how love can be challenged by societal divisions.

Science

  • In physics, 'sides' can refer to the surfaces of shapes that interact with forces, influencing stability and motion.
  • In cell biology, the sides of a cell can refer to its membranes, which play crucial roles in protecting the cell and controlling what enters.
  • In chemistry, molecules can have different sides depending on the arrangement of atoms, impacting how they bond and react with others.

Translations

Translations of the word "sides" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lados

🇮🇳 पक्ष

🇩🇪 Seiten

🇮🇩 sisi

🇺🇦 боки

🇵🇱 boki

🇯🇵 側面

🇫🇷 côtés

🇪🇸 lados

🇹🇷 taraflar

🇰🇷 측면

🇸🇦 جوانب

🇨🇿 strany

🇸🇰 strany

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 strani

🇮🇸 hliðar

🇰🇿 жақтар

🇬🇪 გვერდები

🇦🇿 tərəflər

🇲🇽 lados

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,343, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.