side by side
side by side (idiomatic phrase)
/ˌsaɪd baɪ ˈsaɪd/
Meaning
- Together, cooperating or coexisting in the same situation.
- Next to each other or positioned adjacent.
- Concurrently or in parallel for comparison or alignment.
- Used as a hyphenated adjective to describe things placed or arranged next to each other.
Synonyms: adjacent; alongside; abreast; parallel; together; jointly; concurrent; tandem.
Example Sentences
- They walked side by side along the beach, enjoying the sunset.
- The two houses stand side by side on the quiet street.
- Emily and John were walking side by side when it suddenly started to rain.
- Soldiers marched side by side during the parade.
- The teacher placed the essays side by side for evaluation.
- We sat side by side throughout the long journey.
- The website shows a side-by-side comparison of the latest smartphones.
Origin and History
Early Linguistic Roots
The core of “side by side” lies in the word “side,” which has deep roots in Germanic languages. The word “side” (Old English sīde) originally referred to the flanks of a person or the long part or aspect of anything. This fundamental understanding of a “side” as a linear or lateral dimension laid the groundwork for the phrase.
The combination of “side” repeated with “by” inherently suggests proximity. The “by” indicates “next to” or “alongside.” Therefore, “side by side” naturally conveyed the idea of being positioned immediately adjacent to one another.
The Appearance in English
The phrase “side by side” is documented as entering the English language during the Middle English period (roughly 1150-1500). It is considered to have been formed within English by combining the noun “side” and the preposition “by.”
While pinpointing the exact country where “side by side” first appeared is not possible, its presence in Middle English texts indicates it developed within the English-speaking regions of that era, primarily England. The evolution of English itself during this period involved significant influences from Old Norse and French, but the core components of “side by side” are distinctly Germanic in their etymology.
Earliest Printed Record
The earliest known evidence of “side by side” in written English dates back to around 1275. This early usage is found in the works of the poet Laȝamon. This demonstrates that the phrase was already established in written form during the late 13th century.
Theories and Beliefs About Its Origin
Beyond its literal development from the word “side,” several theories and perspectives can be considered regarding the conceptual origin and widespread adoption of “side by side.”
Natural Human Observation
One prevalent theory suggests that the phrase arose from simple, everyday human observation. People naturally walk, stand, or sit “side by side.” This fundamental human arrangement for companionship, cooperation, or simply existing in close proximity would have led to the natural articulation of this arrangement. The human body itself, having distinct “sides,” provides a constant visual reference for this concept.
Military and Formation Origins
Another plausible theory points to military contexts. Armies and formations often require soldiers to march or stand “side by side” for order, strength, and collective action. The efficiency and power derived from unified movement and position could have solidified the phrase’s meaning of close alignment and coordinated effort. This practical application of physical proximity for a common goal might have reinforced its idiomatic use.
Agricultural and Labor Contexts
Consider also the world of agriculture and manual labor. Farmers plowing fields, laborers working on a construction site, or individuals engaged in repetitive tasks often work “side by side.” This shared space and parallel effort would naturally lead to describing their proximity and shared task using this phrase. The visual of two oxen pulling a plow “side by side” is a powerful image that could have contributed to the idiom’s meaning of working together.
The Concept of Juxtaposition
From a more abstract linguistic perspective, “side by side” embodies the concept of “juxtaposition.” Juxtaposition, meaning the act of placing two or more things close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast, is a fundamental human cognitive process. While the term “juxtaposition” itself has Greek and Latin roots, the underlying idea of placing elements next to each other to highlight their relationship is a universal concept that “side by side” aptly describes.
Simplicity and Clarity
Ultimately, a significant reason for the enduring nature of “side by side” likely lies in its inherent simplicity and clarity. The repetition of “side” immediately conveys the notion of adjacency, and “by” further emphasizes the proximity. It is a phrase that is easy to understand, visualize, and apply to various situations, making it a naturally occurring and widely adopted expression in the English language.
Variants
- walk side by side
- side-by-side
- side by side with
Similar Idioms
Last update:
Share your opinions