Wayside

/ˈweɪˌsaɪd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The side of a road, especially the area beside a highway or path.

The children played by the wayside as the cars whizzed past.

The edge or brink of a road or path.

He stopped at the wayside to take a picture of the beautiful landscape.

A figurative term indicating a place of neglect or abandonment.

Many important ideas have been left by the wayside in the rush for progress.

Derived from the combination of 'way' and 'side' in Middle English.

by the wayside

In a neglected or abandoned state.

left by the wayside

To be ignored or overlooked.

wayside inn

A small inn located by the side of a road.

path

A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.

road

A wider path for vehicles.

route

A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.

To be sidelined or neglected in a situation.

After the new policy, we all felt like we were wayside in the decision-making process.

To feel lost or out of place.

When he failed the exam, he really felt wayside among his peers.