How Do You Spell SIDEWAYS?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪdwe͡ɪz] (IPA)

The word "sideways" is a combination of the adverb "side" and the suffix "-ways", indicating direction. The phonetic transcription in IPA for this word is /ˈsaɪdweɪz/. The first syllable, "side", is pronounced as /saɪd/, with a long "i" sound. The second syllable, "-ways", is pronounced as /weɪz/, with a long "a" sound. Together, these syllables form the word "sideways", meaning to the side or in a lateral direction. This spelling reflects the standard English pronunciation of this word.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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SIDEWAYS Meaning and Definition

  1. Sideways is an adverb that refers to a direction or manner characterized by moving or facing towards one side rather than forwards or straight. It implies a horizontal or lateral movement or orientation that deviates from the usual or expected forward or straight path. The term typically describes a movement or position that is performed or situated perpendicular to the regular vertical or upright direction.

    In a literal sense, when used to describe movement, sideways implies a horizontal or lateral motion towards either the right or left side, choosing not to proceed straight ahead. For example, one might walk or travel sideways along a narrow path, indicating a deliberate deviation from the usual straight direction.

    Figuratively, this term can be used to express a lack of progress, development, or success. For instance, if someone's career has remained sideways, it suggests a lack of advancement or growth. In this context, sideways implies a lack of forward movement or a deviation from the expected upward trajectory.

    Additionally, sideways can also describe a tilt or inclination, where an object or person slants in either the right or left direction. This inclination can connote a sense of imbalance or instability.

    Overall, sideways is a versatile term that encompasses both literal and figurative meanings, highlighting a deviation or inclination towards one side, whether in terms of movement, position, or lack of progress.

  2. Towards the side; on one side.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SIDEWAYS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SIDEWAYS

Etymology of SIDEWAYS

The word "sideways" is derived from two Middle English words: "side" and "ways".

The word "side" originated from the Old English word "sīde", which referred to the flank or the edge of something. It evolved over time to refer to the right or left part of the body, or the direction to one's right or left.

The word "ways" comes from the Old English word "weg", meaning a journey or a path. It was also used to indicate the direction of movement.

The combination of "side" and "ways" gave birth to the word "sideways", which originally meant "in the direction of one side" or "toward the side". Over time, the meaning of "sideways" expanded to also describe a direction that is neither forward nor backward but to the right or left, parallel to the ground.

Idioms with the word SIDEWAYS

  • knock sideways The idiom "knock sideways" means to greatly surprise, astonish, or shock someone, typically by unexpected or astounding news, information, or events. It implies that the person is caught off guard and left speechless or emotionally impacted.
  • knock sb sideways/for six The idiom "knock someone sideways/for six" is an expression used to describe when something completely surprises or overwhelms someone, causing them to be stunned or disoriented. It implies that the impact is so strong that it figuratively knocks the person off balance, like in the sport of cricket where hitting the ball for a six sends it out of the field.
  • knock someone sideways The idiom "knock someone sideways" means to greatly surprise, shock, or astonish someone. It refers to an unexpected event or statement that leaves a person temporarily unable to react or think clearly. It can also imply that the person is physically or emotionally impacted to the point of being knocked off-balance or disoriented.
  • be knocked sideways The idiom "be knocked sideways" means to be greatly surprised, shocked, or completely taken aback by something unexpected or astonishing. It implies that the person's perception or equilibrium has been thrown off balance, as if they were physically jolted or knocked off their feet.
  • knock (one) sideways The idiom "knock (one) sideways" means to greatly surprise or shock someone. It refers to an event or statement that is unexpectedly stunning, causing someone to be momentarily taken aback or emotionally affected.
  • knock sb sideways The idiom "knock someone sideways" means to completely surprise, shock, or overwhelm someone. It refers to a situation or event that catches someone off guard or leaves them feeling disoriented and bewildered.
  • knock somebody sideways The idiom "knock somebody sideways" means to shock, surprise, or astonish someone to the extent that it leaves them feeling disoriented or thrown off balance. It implies that the person's expectations or beliefs have been completely overturned or that they are in a state of extreme surprise.

Similar spelling words for SIDEWAYS

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