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Explanation of the Word "Sidebar"

Part of Speech: Noun

Usage Instructions

1. In News and Articles: A sidebar often highlights interesting facts or details that support the main story but are not the main focus.
2. In Legal Context: A sidebar is a private discussion that helps clarify legal matters without the jury's influence.

Examples

1. In News: "The article about climate change included a sidebar with statistics on rising sea levels."
2. In Law: "The lawyers approached the judge for a sidebar to discuss a sensitive issue without the jury present."

Advanced Usage

• In journalism, sidebars can enhance a reader's understanding of the main article by providing additional context or background information.
• In legal settings, sidebars are crucial for resolving issues that could affect the trial without affecting the jury's impartiality.

Word Variants

• Sidebars (plural): More than one sidebar.
• Sidebarred (verb): The act of having a sidebar discussion (though this usage is less common).

Different Meanings

1. General Use: Besides news and law, "sidebar" can refer to any additional note or comment beside the main content, like in websites or documents.
2. In Technology: A sidebar can also mean a side menu in software applications or websites that provides additional options or information.

Synonyms

• Supplement
• Addendum
• Footnote
• Aside

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Sidebar discussion": A conversation that happens off the main topic, often used in meetings or negotiations.
• There are no commonly used phrasal verbs specifically for "sidebar," but you might hear "set aside" in discussions about prioritizing or temporarily halting a topic.

Summary

In summary, a "sidebar" can refer to a brief, related story that enhances a main topic, or a private legal discussion in court.

Academic

Noun

1. a short news story presenting sidelights on a major story
2. (law) a courtroom conference between the lawyers and the judge that is held out of the jury's hearing