Sidelong (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Situated at or extending to the side; "the lateral branches of a tree"; "shot out sidelong boughs"- Tennyson.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- A sidelong glance from the mother caught the child's attention as she began to misbehave in public.
- The tree's extensive root system developed sidelong shoots that burst through the pavement.
- Sidelong tendrils curled around the wire trellis supporting the vine's heavy blooms.
- She stole a sidelong look at her phone to see if the message had been read.
- As the ancient tree swayed in the breeze, its sidelong branches tapped against the wall of the old house.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Inclining or directed to one side; "moved downward in a sidelong way" - Bram Stoker.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She gave him a sidelong glance, her eyes narrowing as she tried to read his intentions.
- As she felt his eyes on her, she moved away with a sidelong step, trying not to draw attention.
- He made a sidelong motion with his arm, as if beckoning her to follow him quietly.
- The hikers made their way down the mountain using a sidelong path, careful not to slip.
- She shot him a sidelong look of annoyance, her eyes flashing with irritation.
Meaning 3
(used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy; "her eyes with their misted askance look"- Elizabeth Bowen; "sidelong glances".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She shot him a sidelong glance, her eyes narrowed in suspicion as he walked into the room unannounced.
- The student couldn't help but cast sidelong looks at the valedictorian during the graduation ceremony, seething with envy.
- The detective made a sidelong glance at the suspect, trying to gauge his reaction to the bold accusation.
- Her sidelong gaze met his across the room, an unspoken communication that didn't go unnoticed by the party host.
- As the announcement was made, the rival painter cast a sidelong glance at the winner, her expression veiled in doubt.