sidestep
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/
KK: /ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/
intransitive verb
Definition
To move aside or avoid something, often to escape a situation or responsibility.
Example
He decided to sidestep the difficult question during the meeting.
Tense Forms
Past: sidestepped
Past Participle: sidestepped
Conversation
I noticed you always seem to sidestep those tough questions in meetings.
Yeah, I find it easier to avoid them sometimes.
But don’t you think it’s better to address them directly?
Maybe, but I just feel like it’s safer to sidestep them for now.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dodge
avoid
elude
Antonyms
confront
face
engage
transitive verb
Definition
To avoid or escape something, often by moving to the side or changing direction.
Example
He tried to sidestep the question during the interview.
Tense Forms
Past: sidestepped
Past Participle: sidestepped
Conversation
Did you see how he tried to sidestep that question in the meeting?
Yeah, it was pretty obvious he was avoiding it.
I wonder why he felt the need to sidestep it instead of just answering.
Root Explanation
Sidestep → It is formed from "side" (from Old English "side", meaning the lateral part) and "step" (from Old English "stæpe", meaning to move or walk). The word "sidestep" means to move aside or to avoid something by stepping to the side.
Memory Tip
Think of moving to the 'side' to 'step' away from something — that's how sidestep means to avoid or evade.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.