Langimage
English

sidesteps

|side/steps|

B2

/ˈsaɪdˌstɛps/

(sidestep)

avoidance by lateral movement

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
sidestepsidestepssidesteppedsidesteppedsidestepping
Etymology
Etymology Information

'sidestep' originates from the combination of 'side' and 'step', where 'side' refers to the lateral part and 'step' refers to a movement made by lifting the foot and setting it down again.

Historical Evolution

'Sidestep' was formed in English by combining 'side' and 'step' to describe a lateral movement.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant a physical lateral movement, but over time it evolved to include the metaphorical sense of avoiding issues.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a step taken sideways, typically to avoid something.

She made a quick sidestep to avoid the puddle.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to avoid or evade a question, issue, or responsibility by a clever or indirect means.

He sidesteps the question by changing the subject.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42