Langimage
English

sidestep

|side-step|

B2

/ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/

avoidance by lateral movement

Etymology
Etymology Information

'sidestep' originates from the combination of 'side' and 'step', where 'side' refers to the lateral part and 'step' means to move by lifting the foot.

Historical Evolution

'Sidestep' has been used in English since the early 20th century, maintaining its meaning of moving sideways to avoid something.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to step to the side', but over time it evolved to include the figurative 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 tried to sidestep the reporter's questions about the scandal.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35