sideways
UK: ˈsaɪdweɪz | US: ˈsaɪdweɪz
adj. directed or moving to one side
adv. in a direction to one side; obliquely
adv. from a side perspective
The word "sideways" combines "side" (Old English sīde, meaning "flank" or "lateral edge") with "way" (Old English weg, meaning "path" or "direction"). The adverbial suffix "-s" (from Old English -es) indicates manner or direction. Originally used to describe physical movement or orientation ("to the side"), it later expanded metaphorically to describe perspectives or indirect approaches. The morphemes reflect a logical progression from spatial direction to abstract viewpoint.
She glanced sideways at him during the meeting.
The car skidded sideways on the icy road.
He approached the problem sideways, using an unconventional method.
The bookshelf fell sideways, scattering its contents.
The artist painted the scene sideways to create a dynamic composition.