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adjectiveadverb

einseitig

one-sided

so, dass nur eine Seite beachtet wird oder nur in eine Richtung wirkt

Definition & meaning

The word einseitig has several layers of meaning depending on the context:

  1. Physical or literal: It describes something that occurs on or concerns only one side. For example, a piece of paper printed on only one side is "einseitig bedruckt". In a medical context, it refers to symptoms or conditions affecting only one side of the body.
  2. Figurative (Bias): It is frequently used to describe a lack of balance or objectivity. If a report, a person's opinion, or a news article considers only one perspective while ignoring others, it is considered "einseitig". In this sense, it translates to "one-sided" or "biased".
  3. Unilateral or Unrequited: It describes actions or feelings that come from only one party involved. For example, "einseitige Liebe" refers to unrequited love, where only one person has feelings for the other. In legal terms, an "einseitiger Vertrag" is a contract where only one party has an obligation.
  4. Limited or Narrow: It can describe a person's interests or diet if they lack variety. A "einseitige Ernährung" (one-sided diet) means eating the same few things without nutritional balance.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is an adjective. It is composed of two main parts:

  • ein-: Derived from "eins", meaning "one".
  • -seitig: Derived from the noun "Seite", meaning "side" or "page", combined with the suffix "-ig", which is used to form adjectives in German.

In sentences, it can be used as an attributive adjective (e.g., "eine einseitige Darstellung") or as an adverb (e.g., "Er sieht das Thema sehr einseitig").

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • parteiisch: Referring to bias or taking a side.
  • subjektiv: Based on personal feelings or opinions rather than facts.
  • unilateral: Used in formal or political contexts for "one-sided".
  • beschränkt: Limited or narrow in scope.
  • oberflächlich: Superficial, often used when a topic isn't explored from all angles.

Antonyms:

  • vielseitig: Many-sided, versatile, or diverse.
  • objektiv: Objective or factual.
  • ausgewogen: Balanced.
  • zweiseitig: Two-sided or bilateral.
  • umfassend: Comprehensive or all-encompassing.
  • neutral: Neutral.

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Examples

Sein Bericht scheint einseitig zu sein.adjective

His report seems to be one-sided.

Er suchte nach einer weniger einseitigen Lösung.adjective

He was looking for a less one-sided solution.

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