Spanish word

lateral

Pronunciation

IPA/lateˈɾal/

Meaning

  • adjectiveside

Example

La puerta lateral está abierta.

The side door is open.

Illustration for lateral (side)

More examples

Entramos por la entrada lateral porque la principal estaba cerrada.

We entered through the side entrance because the main entrance was closed.

Core concept

A stripe running along one side of a page.

Common phrases

  • puerta lateral

    side door

  • entrada lateral

    side entrance

  • ventana lateral

    side window

  • parte lateral

    side part

Similar words

externo: On the outer surface of something, located on the exterior.
paralelo: Extending in the same direction and kept aligned side by side.
transversal: Crossing or lying across an object or direction, cutting transversely.

Definition in Spanish

Que indica la posición hacia el costado de algo o relativo a su lado.

Word origin

From Latin latus 'side' with the suffix -alis, forming an adjective that denotes position at the side.

Usage tips

  • The English cognate lateral may tempt speakers to use it in casual contexts, but Spanish often uses al lado de for 'next to'.

Opposites

Related words

  • bilateralbilateraladjective
  • lateralmentelaterallyadverb

Word lists with this word