sidelong

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective (used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy; - Elizabeth Bowen
  2. adjective situated at or extending to the side; ; - Tennyson
  3. adjective inclining or directed to one side; - Bram Stoker

Etymology

1520s, from Middle English sidlyng (early 14th century), from side + -lyng (“(frequentative)”) (modern English -le (“(frequentative)”)). Reanalyzed as side + long.

In classic literature

Synonyms

askance, askant, asquint, squint, squint-eyed, squinty

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