What does sidedness mean?
Sidedness means the condition of being committed to one side of an argument, dispute, or political question, especially when that commitment is perceived as partial or biased. The word is especially common in discussions of journalism, politics, debate, and impartiality. Saying that a report displays sidedness means that it appears to favour one position, party, or interpretation rather than presenting the issue even-handedly. The word can also be used more literally for the state of having sides or belonging to one side, although this sense is less frequent. Sidedness is more formal and less common than bias or partiality, and its formation makes its meaning transparent: it denotes the quality of being sided. In careful discussion, however, the term can imply an accusation, so it is often attached to a source or subject, as in political sidedness or apparent sidedness.
nounThe quality or condition of being committed to one side of a dispute or question, especially in a way that implies partiality or bias.
- The quality of supporting or favouring one side in a dispute, argument, or political matter; partiality or bias.
- The state or condition of having sides or belonging to one side.
"The editorial was criticized for its political sidedness."
"Reviewers questioned the newspaper's sidedness in its coverage of the election."
"An impartial chair tried to keep the discussion free from sidedness."
The plural is grammatically regular but rare in practice.
"The article criticized the differing sidednesses of the two news outlets."
When a position hardens into allegiance, it becomes sidedness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sidedness
Sidedness was formed in English by combining side with the noun-forming suffix -ness. Side derives from Old English sīde, which referred to an edge, surface, or party in a conflict, while -ness is an Old English-derived suffix used to form abstract nouns denoting a quality or state. Related English words include seaside, sideline, and sidelong.
How sidedness is actually used
Most commonly used in formal or analytical contexts concerning bias, partisanship, or allegiance. It is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, where bias, partiality, or unfairness may sound more natural.