Etymology
The word "aside" comes from the Middle English word "asiden," which is derived from the Old French word "a part," meaning "to one side."
Meaning
An aside is a speech or remark made by a character in a play or movie that is meant to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage. Asides are often used to reveal the character's inner thoughts or feelings, or to provide the audience with information that is not known to the other characters.
Origin
The use of asides in drama dates back to the ancient Greek theater. In Greek tragedies, asides were often used by the chorus to provide commentary on the action of the play or to express the emotions of the characters. Asides were also used in Roman comedy, and they have been a part of theatrical tradition ever since.
Examples
"This is the very coinage of your brain: This bodiless creation ecstasy Is very cunning in."
In this aside, Hamlet reveals to the audience that he knows that the ghost of his father is a figment of his own imagination.
"I'm engaged to Lady Bracknell's niece, Gwendolen. At least I'm nearly engaged to her. I'm just waiting for my Uncle Jack's consent."
In this aside, Algernon reveals to the audience that he is not actually engaged to Gwendolen, but that he is planning to propose to her.
Asides can be an effective way to reveal character, provide information, and create dramatic tension. They can also be used for humorous effect.
Etymology The word side comes from the Old English word side which is derived from t
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Letter Sequence S E T A S I D E T Y M O L O G Y M E A N I N G A N D O R I G I N Sylla
Etymology The word aside comes from the Middle English word asiden which is derived
Etymology The word aware is derived from the Middle English word awere which in turn
Etymology The word accursed comes from the Late Latin word accursus which means to ru
Etymology The word allay comes from the Old English word alegian meaning to reliev
Etymology Old French affraier Late Latin exfrigidare meaning to cool or frighten L
Etymology The word apart comes from the Middle English word a part meaning away fro
Etymology The word away is derived from the Old English word awæg which is a compo
Etymology The word divert is derived from the Latin word divertere which means to
Etymology The word swerve originated from the Middle English word swerven which itse
Etymology Greek athetos unsteady irregular Meaning Athetosis is a neurologica
Etymology Latin deponens present participle of deponere to lay down lay aside Mean
Etymology Message comes from the Middle French message which itself comes from the Old
Etymology The word substance is derived from the Latin word substantia which means
Etymology of content Latin continere to restrain hold together French conteni
