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Sidelight - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A sidelight is a secondary or additional light source, often used to illuminate something indirectly. It can also refer to incidental information that provides extra context or insight.

sidelight

/ˈsaɪdˌlaɪt/ /ˈsaɪdlaɪt/

Definition:

A minor or incidental aspect of something, or a light on the side of a vehicle.

Synonyms:

aspect, detail, feature, angle

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

main point, focus

Common Collocations:

car sidelight, dim sidelight, left sidelight, right sidelight

Derivatives:

sidelights (plural)

Usage Tips:

Use "sidelight" to describe secondary features or vehicle lights; avoid overusing for central ideas.

Common Phrases:

cast a sidelight on, in the sidelights, sidelight of history

Etymology:

Derived from "side" + "light," first used in the 17th century for literal and figurative meanings.

Examples:

  • 1. The car’s left sidelight was broken in the accident.
  • 2. Her speech provided a fascinating sidelight on the historical event.
  • 3. He adjusted the sidelights before driving at dusk.
  • 4. The book offers sidelights on the author’s personal life.

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