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right-side

UK[ˈraɪt saɪd]US[ˈraɪt saɪd]
n

The side or part that is on the right.

Morpheme Breakdown

right
side
right

correct/direction

side

lateral part

Etymology

The compound 'right-side' is a transparent combination of two native English words. 'Right' has a complex history, originating from the Proto-Germanic rehtaz, which carried meanings of 'straight, correct, just', and is ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root reg- meaning 'to move in a straight line, to lead or rule'. This semantic core of directness and correctness evolved into the directional sense based on the ancient association of the right hand with skill and virtue. 'Side' comes from Proto-Germanic sīdō, referring to the long part or flank of something. When combined, the literal meaning is simply 'the lateral part situated on the right', a straightforward descriptive term whose logic remains immediately apparent in modern usage.

Analysis

Structure: right (correct/direction) + side (lateral part) 'right' is from Old English riht, meaning 'straight, correct, proper, direct'. 'side' is from Old English sīde, meaning 'the flank, the long part of a body or object'.

Examples

The driver's seat is on the right-side of the vehicle in the UK.

Make sure the label is facing the right-side up.

He felt a sharp pain on the right-side of his abdomen.

right-side – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology