Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Toward one side; in a direction to the side: Movement or orientation that is not forward or backward but to the left or right.
   • From the side; obliquely: Viewed or positioned from a lateral perspective, not directly from the front or back.
   • With one side forward or to the front: Positioned so that the side, rather than the front, is presented.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The car skidded sideway on the icy road. (The car moved laterally, not in its intended forward direction.)
  • He glanced sideway at the document on the desk. (He looked obliquely, not directly, at the document.)
  • Please turn the sofa sideway to fit it through the door. (Position the sofa with its side leading.)

Advanced Usage

• "to move sideway": to shift laterally.
  • The dancer moved sideway across the stage with graceful steps.
• "to fall sideway": to topple over onto one's side.
  • The stack of books fell sideway onto the carpet.

Variants and Related Words

• Sideways (adverb): The more common modern variant with identical meaning.
  • She tilted her head sideways in curiosity.
• Sidewise (adverb): An archaic or less common variant meaning toward the side.
  • The old gate swung sidewise on its hinges.

Synonyms

• Laterally: In a direction to the side.
• Obliquely: At an angle; not directly or straightforwardly.
• Edgeways: With the edge foremost.

Related Phrases

• Knock sideways: To shock or astonish greatly (idiomatic, uses the variant "sideways").
  • The news of his resignation knocked me sideways.
• Sideway glance/look: A quick look directed to the side.
  • She gave him a suspicious sideway glance.

Adverb

1. toward one side
   • the car slipped sideways into the ditch
   • leaning sideways
   • a figure moving sidewise in the shadows
2. from the side; obliquely
   • a picture lit sideways
   • scenes viewed sidewise
3. with one side forward or to the front
   • turned sideways to show the profile
   • crabs seeming to walk sidewise