edgewise
edgewise Lexical Profile
edgewise Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
By squeezing into a scarcely available interval, especially in a lively or monopolized conversation.
"The host talked so rapidly that none of the guests could get a word in edgewise."
With the narrow edge foremost, upward, or facing in a particular direction.
"He turned the large table edgewise so that it could fit through the narrow hallway."
• adjective
Positioned, moving, or directed with the narrow edge foremost or toward the viewer.
"The carpenter made an edgewise cut along the oak plank to create a clean joint."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern usage, 'edgewise' is most frequently encountered in the idiom 'to get a word in edgewise' (meaning to manage to speak during a conversation dominated by someone else), with 'edgeways' preferred in British English.
• Rhymes for edgewise
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century from 'edge' and the adverbial suffix '-wise', tracing back to Old English 'ecg' (sharp side or border) and 'wīse' (manner or way).