lateral 🔊
Meaning of lateral
Relating to the side or sides; situated on or directed toward the side.
Key Difference
While 'lateral' specifically refers to the side or sideways direction, its synonyms may imply different angles, positions, or contexts.
Example of lateral
- The lateral movement of the dancer added dynamism to the performance.
- The earthquake caused lateral shifts in the tectonic plates.
Synonyms
sideways 🔊
Meaning of sideways
Moving or directed toward one side.
Key Difference
'Sideways' implies a more general side-to-side motion, whereas 'lateral' can refer to a fixed position or a more technical side orientation.
Example of sideways
- He glanced sideways at her to gauge her reaction.
- The crab walked sideways along the beach.
oblique 🔊
Meaning of oblique
Neither parallel nor at a right angle; slanting.
Key Difference
'Oblique' suggests an angle that is not straight, while 'lateral' strictly refers to the side.
Example of oblique
- The artist used oblique lines to create a sense of depth.
- The sunlight cast oblique shadows on the ground.
flanking 🔊
Meaning of flanking
Positioned on one or both sides.
Key Difference
'Flanking' often implies a strategic or protective position on the side, whereas 'lateral' is more neutral.
Example of flanking
- The soldiers took flanking positions to ambush the enemy.
- The flanking buildings framed the central monument beautifully.
edgewise 🔊
Meaning of edgewise
With the edge foremost or toward the side.
Key Difference
'Edgewise' emphasizes the edge of an object, while 'lateral' refers to the side in a broader sense.
Example of edgewise
- She inserted the card edgewise into the slot.
- The carpenter cut the wood edgewise for a finer finish.
parallel 🔊
Meaning of parallel
Side by side and having the same distance continuously between them.
Key Difference
'Parallel' refers to alignment without converging, while 'lateral' does not necessarily imply alignment.
Example of parallel
- The train tracks run parallel to the highway.
- Parallel lines never meet, no matter how far they extend.
Conclusion
- The word 'lateral' is best used when describing something positioned on or moving toward the side, often in technical or anatomical contexts.
- 'Sideways' is more casual and describes general side-to-side motion.
- 'Oblique' should be used when referring to slanted or angled positions, not strictly side-oriented.
- 'Flanking' is ideal for describing strategic or protective side positioning.
- 'Edgewise' is specific to situations involving the edge of an object.
- 'Parallel' is used when describing side-by-side alignment without convergence.