sidewise

Sidewise is an English term with two broad senses. As an adverb, sidewise means moving or positioned toward the side or in a sideways direction. It is often used interchangeably with sideways or laterally in older or more formal writing, though sidewise is less common in everyday American usage today.

Etymology and usage: Sidewise is formed from side + wise, a productive English pattern that yields words such as clockwise or lengthwise. In modern usage, sidewise tends to appear in literary or historical contexts, where a slightly archaic or formal tone is desired, or simply as a stylistic choice.

In literature and culture: Sidewise has a notable presence in speculative fiction through Murray Leinster’s 1934 short story Sidewise in Time. The story imagines parallel worlds colliding with ours as if time itself had shifted “sideways,” a premise that helped popularize the concept of alternate history and the term’s association with that subgenre. The Sidewise Award for Alternate History, named after Leinster’s story, is an annual distinction recognizing excellence in alternate history fiction and related media, and has been awarded since the mid-1990s.

Other uses: Beyond literary contexts, sidewise may appear in descriptive prose to evoke a particular cadence or historical flavor. It can also show up as a proper name in branding or titles, reflecting its classic or literary connotations.

See also: sideways, sidewise in time.