Party vs. Side — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 4, 2024
A party refers to an individual or group involved in a legal agreement or dispute, while a side is a faction or position within a broader conflict or debate.
Difference Between Party and Side
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In legal contexts, a party is a person, company, or entity that enters into a legal agreement or is involved in a lawsuit. The term "party" emphasizes the formal involvement in legal proceedings, contracts, or negotiations. On the other hand, a side represents a position or viewpoint within a broader context, such as a debate, negotiation, or conflict, highlighting the stance or perspective rather than legal status.
Parties are often designated as plaintiffs or defendants in legal disputes, with their roles defined by their position in the litigation. This legal terminology specifies the responsibilities, rights, and obligations of each involved entity. Sides, however, are defined by their viewpoints or objectives in a situation, indicating their collective stance on an issue, policy, or decision, which might not have legal implications.
In the realm of agreements and contracts, parties are signatories with clearly defined rights and obligations. These documents legally bind the parties, specifying the terms and conditions of their agreement. Conversely, sides in a debate or conflict may not have formal agreements but are distinguished by their differing opinions, strategies, or goals.
The identification of parties in legal documents is crucial for the administration of justice, ensuring that all participants are accurately recognized and held accountable according to the law. Sides, while important in understanding the dynamics of disagreements or discussions, are more about the alignment of beliefs and interests.
While parties are essential components of legal and contractual relationships, sides are integral to the understanding of conflicts, debates, and negotiations. Both terms highlight different aspects of interactions and agreements between individuals or groups, reflecting their roles, responsibilities, and viewpoints.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual or group involved in a legal agreement or dispute.
A faction or position within a broader conflict or debate.
Context
Legal proceedings, contracts.
Debates, negotiations, conflicts.
Role
Plaintiff, defendant, signatory.
Proponent, opponent.
Legal Implications
Legal obligations and rights.
Viewpoints or objectives, not necessarily legal.
Focus
Formal involvement and responsibilities.
Perspective or stance on an issue.
Compare with Definitions
Party
Legal Entity.
The company was a party to the landmark lawsuit.
Side
Negotiation Stance.
The sides couldn't reach an agreement during the first round of talks.
Party
Plaintiff or Defendant.
In the case, the individual was listed as the party of the first part.
Side
Perspective.
From my side, the solution seems straightforward.
Party
Negotiation Participant.
They were a crucial party in the negotiation talks.
Side
Debate Position.
Her side of the argument was compelling and well-supported.
Party
Contractual Role.
As a party to the lease, she had certain obligations.
Side
Conflict Faction.
Each side in the conflict had its own demands and strategies.
Party
Legal Rights.
The parties to the agreement must understand their rights and duties.
Side
Collective Viewpoint.
Our side believes more research is necessary before proceeding.
Party
A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, recreation, or as part of a festival or other commemoration or celebration of a special occasion. A party will typically feature food and beverages, and often music and dancing or other forms of entertainment.
Side
A line bounding a plane figure.
Party
A social gathering especially for pleasure or amusement
A birthday party.
Side
A surface bounding a solid figure.
Party
A group of people who have gathered to participate in an activity
A search party.
Side
A surface of an object, especially a surface joining a top and bottom
The four sides of a box.
Party
A group of soldiers selected for a duty or mission
A raiding party.
Side
A surface of an object that lies on the left or right of that object as viewed from the front or back
From the shore, I watched my friends dive off the side of the boat.
Party
An established political group organized to promote and support its principles and candidates for public office.
Side
Either of the two surfaces of a thin, flat object
The front side of a piece of paper.
Party
A person or group involved in an enterprise; a participant or accessory
I refuse to be a party to your silly scheme.
Side
The part within an object or area to the left or right of the observer or of its vertical axis.
Party
(Law) A person or entity that participates in a transaction, makes a contract, or is involved in a lawsuit as a litigant.
Side
The left or right half of the trunk of a human or animal body
Always sleeps on his side.
A side of beef.
Party
A subscriber to a telephone party line.
Side
The space immediately next to someone
Stood at her father's side.
Party
A person using a telephone.
Side
The space immediately next to something. Often used in combination
Courtside.
Dockside.
Party
A person
"And though Grainger was a spry old party, such steps couldn't be his" (Anthony Hyde).
Side
One of two or more contrasted parts or places within an area, identified by its location with respect to a center
The north side of the park.
Party
Of, relating to, or participating in an established political organization
Party members.
Party politics.
Side
An area separated from another area by an intervening feature, such as a line or barrier
On this side of the Atlantic.
The district on the other side of the railroad tracks.
Party
Suitable for use at a social gathering
Party dresses.
A party hat.
Side
One of two or more opposing individuals, groups, teams, or sets of opinions.
Party
Characteristic of a pleasurable social gathering
A party atmosphere.
Side
One of the positions maintained in a dispute or debate.
Party
To celebrate or carouse at a party or similar gathering
That night we partied until dawn.
Side
A distinct aspect
The shy side of his personality.
Party
(legal) A person or group of people constituting a particular side in a contract or legal action.
The contract requires that the party of the first part pay the fee.
Side
Line of descent
My aunt on my mother's side.
Party
A person.
Side
An incomplete script that shows the lines and cues of a single performer only.
Party
A person; an individual.
He is a queer party.
Side
An incomplete script that shows only what is to be filmed on a specific day or shoot.
Party
With to: an accessory, someone who takes part.
I can't possibly be a party to that kind of reckless behaviour.
Side
Chiefly British In billiards, the spin given to a propelled ball by striking it off center.
Party
A group of people forming one side in a given dispute, contest etc.
Side
Located on a side
A side door.
Party
Active player characters organized into a single group.
Side
From or to one side; oblique
A side view.
Party
(video games) A group of characters controlled by the player.
Side
Minor; incidental
A side interest.
Party
(politics) A political group considered as a formal whole, united under one specific political platform of issues and campaigning to take part in government.
The green party took 12% of the vote.
Side
In addition to the main part; supplementary
A side benefit.
Party
(military) A discrete detachment of troops, especially for a particular purpose.
The settlers were attacked early next morning by a scouting party.
Side
To provide sides or siding for
Side a frame house with aluminum.
Party
A group of persons collected or gathered together for some particular purpose.
Side
To be positioned next to
A couch that is sided by low tables.
Party
A gathering of usually invited guests for entertainment, fun and socializing.
I'm throwing a huge party for my 21st birthday.
Side
To align oneself in a disagreement
Sided with the conservatives in Congress.
Siding against the bill.
Party
A group of people traveling or attending an event together, or participating in the same activity.
We're expecting a large party from the London office.
Do you have a table available for a party of four?
Side
A bounding straight edge of a two-dimensional shape.
A square has four sides.
Party
A gathering of acquaintances so that one of them may offer items for sale to the rest of them.
Tupperware party
Lingerie party
Side
A flat surface of a three-dimensional object; a face.
A cube has six sides.
Party
A small group of birds or mammals.
Side
One half (left or right, top or bottom, front or back, etc.) of something or someone.
Which side of the tray shall I put it on?
The patient was bleeding on the right side.
Party
(obsolete) A part or division.
Side
A region in a specified position with respect to something.
Meet me on the north side of the monument.
Party
(intransitive) To celebrate at a party, to have fun, to enjoy oneself.
We partied until the early hours.
Side
The portion of the human torso usually covered by the arms when they are not raised; the areas on the left and right between the belly or chest and the back.
I generally sleep on my side.
Party
To take recreational drugs.
Side
One surface of a sheet of paper (used instead of "page", which can mean one or both surfaces.)
John wrote 15 sides for his essay!
Party
(intransitive) To engage in flings, to have one-night stands, to sow one's wild oats.
Side
One possible aspect of a concept, person, or thing.
Look on the bright side.
Party
To form a party (with).
If you want to beat that monster, you should party with a healer.
Side
One set of competitors in a game.
Which side has kick-off?
Party
Of a fence or wall: shared by two properties and serving to divide them.
Side
A sports team.
Party
Divided; in part.
Side
A group of morris dancers who perform together.
Party
(heraldry) Parted or divided, as in the direction or form of one of the ordinaries.
An escutcheon party per pale
Side
A group having a particular allegiance in a conflict or competition.
In the Second World War, the Italians were on the side of the Germans until Italy switched sides in 1943.
Party
A part or portion.
Side
(music) A recorded piece of music; a record, especially in jazz.
Party
A number of persons united in opinion or action, as distinguished from, or opposed to, the rest of a community or association; esp., one of the parts into which a people is divided on questions of public policy.
Win the noble Brutus to our party.
The peace both parties want is like to last.
Side
Sidespin; english
He had to put a bit of side on to hit the pink ball.
Party
A part of a larger body of company; a detachment;
Side
A television channel, usually as opposed to the one currently being watched (from when there were only two channels).
I just want to see what's on the other side — James said there was a good film on tonight.
Party
A number of persons invited to a social entertainment; a select company; as, a dinner party; also, the entertainment itself; as, to give a party.
Side
A dish that accompanies the main course; a side dish.
Do you want a side of cole-slaw with that?
Party
One concerned or interested in an affair; one who takes part with others; a participator; as, he was a party to the plot; a party to the contract.
Side
A line of descent traced through a particular parent, as distinguished from that traced through another.
His mother's side of the family
Party
The plaintiff or the defendant in a lawsuit, whether an individual, a firm, or corporation; a litigant.
The cause of both parties shall come before the judges.
Side
(baseball) The batters faced in an inning by a particular pitcher.
Clayton Kershaw struck out the side in the 6th inning.
Party
Hence, any certain person who is regarded as being opposed or antagonistic to another.
If the jury found that the party slain was of English race, it had been adjudged felony.
Side
An unjustified air of self-importance.
Party
Cause; side; interest.
Have you nothing saidUpon this Party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?
Side
(drama) A written monologue or part of a scene to be read by an actor at an audition.
Party
A person; as, he is a queer party.
Side
A man who prefers not to engage in anal sex during same-sex sexual activity.
My boyfriend and I are both sides; we prefer to do oral and other stuff.
Party
Parted or divided, as in the direction or form of one of the ordinaries; as, an escutcheon party per pale.
Side
A root.
Party
Partial; favoring one party; partisan.
I will be true judge, and not party.
Side
Being on the left or right, or toward the left or right; lateral.
Party
Partly.
Side
Indirect; oblique; incidental.
A side issue; a side view or remark
Party
An organization to gain political power;
In 1992 Perot tried to organize a third party at the national level
Side
Wide; large; long, pendulous, hanging low, trailing; far-reaching.
Party
An occasion on which people can assemble for social interaction and entertainment;
He planned a party to celebrate Bastille Day
Side
(Scotland) Far; distant.
Party
A band of people associated temporarily in some activity;
They organized a party to search for food
The company of cooks walked into the kitchen
Side
(intransitive) To ally oneself, be in an alliance, usually with "with" or rarely "in with"
Which will you side with, good or evil?
Party
A group of people gathered together for pleasure;
She joined the party after dinner
Side
To lean on one side.
Party
A person involved in legal proceedings;
The party of the first part
Side
To be or stand at the side of; to be on the side toward.
Party
Have or participate in a party;
The students were partying all night before the exam
Side
To suit; to pair; to match.
Side
To work (a timber or rib) to a certain thickness by trimming the sides.
Side
(transitive) To furnish with a siding.
To side a house
Side
To provide with, as a side or accompaniment.
Side
To clear, tidy or sort.
Side
Widely; wide; far.
Side
The margin, edge, verge, or border of a surface; especially (when the thing spoken of is somewhat oblong in shape), one of the longer edges as distinguished from the shorter edges, called ends; a bounding line of a geometrical figure; as, the side of a field, of a square or triangle, of a river, of a road, etc.
Side
Any outer portion of a thing considered apart from, and yet in relation to, the rest; as, the upper side of a sphere; also, any part or position viewed as opposite to or contrasted with another; as, this or that side.
Looking round on every side beheldA pathless desert.
Side
One of the halves of the body, of an animals or man, on either side of the mesial plane; or that which pertains to such a half; as, a side of beef; a side of sole leather.
One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side.
Side
A slope or declivity, as of a hill, considered as opposed to another slope over the ridge.
Along the side of yon small hill.
Side
The position of a person or party regarded as opposed to another person or party, whether as a rival or a foe; a body of advocates or partisans; a party; hence, the interest or cause which one maintains against another; a doctrine or view opposed to another.
God on our side, doubt not of victory.
We have not always been of the . . . same side in politics.
Sets the passions on the side of truth.
Side
A line of descent traced through one parent as distinguished from that traced through another.
To sit upon thy father David's throne,By mother's side thy father.
Side
Fig.: Aspect or part regarded as contrasted with some other; as, the bright side of poverty.
Side
Of or pertaining to a side, or the sides; being on the side, or toward the side; lateral.
One mighty squadron with a side wind sped.
Side
Hence, indirect; oblique; collateral; incidental; as, a side issue; a side view or remark.
The law hath no side respect to their persons.
Side
Long; large; extensive.
His gown had side sleeves down to mid leg.
To insure a side-box station at half price.
Side
To lean on one side.
Side
To embrace the opinions of one party, or engage in its interest, in opposition to another party; to take sides; as, to side with the ministerial party.
All side in parties, and begin the attack.
Side
To be or stand at the side of; to be on the side toward.
His blind eye that sided Paridell.
Side
To suit; to pair; to match.
Side
To work (a timber or rib) to a certain thickness by trimming the sides.
Side
To furnish with a siding; as, to side a house.
Side
A place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location;
They always sat on the right side of the church
He never left my side
Side
One of two or more contesting groups;
The Confederate side was prepared to attack
Side
Either the left or right half of a body;
He had a pain in his side
Side
An extended outer surface of an object;
He turned the box over to examine the bottom side
They painted all four sides of the house
Side
A surface forming part of the outside of an object;
He examined all sides of the crystal
Dew dripped from the face of the leaf
Side
A line segment forming part of the perimeter of a plane figure;
The hypotenuse of a right triangle is always the longest side
Side
An aspect of something (as contrasted with some other implied aspect);
He was on the heavy side
He is on the purchasing side of the business
It brought out his better side
Side
A family line of descent;
He gets his brains from his father's side
Side
A lengthwise dressed half of an animal's carcass used for food
Side
An opinion that is held in opposition to another in an argument or dispute;
There are two sides to every question
Side
An elevated geological formation;
He climbed the steep slope
The house was built on the side of the mountain
Side
(sports) the spin given to a ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist
Side
Take sides with; align oneself with; show strong sympathy for;
We all rooted for the home team
I'm pulling for the underdog
Are you siding with the defender of the title?
Side
Take the side of; be on the side of;
Whose side are you on?
Why are you taking sides with the accused?
Side
Located on a side;
Side fences
The side porch
The top shelf
Side
Added as a consequence or supplement;
A side benefit
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to take a side?
Taking a side means supporting a particular position or viewpoint in a debate, conflict, or negotiation.
What determines the rights of a party in a contract?
The rights of a party in a contract are determined by the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement, which both parties must consent to.
Can an individual be a party in a lawsuit?
Yes, an individual can be a party in a lawsuit, either as a plaintiff (bringing the case) or as a defendant (against whom the case is brought).
Can a side in a debate have legal implications?
While a side in a debate represents a viewpoint, it can have legal implications if it leads to actions or decisions that involve legal considerations.
Why is understanding both sides important in a negotiation?
Understanding both sides in a negotiation is crucial for finding common ground, resolving differences, and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
What is a party in legal terms?
In legal terms, a party is an individual or entity involved in legal proceedings or agreements, with specific rights and responsibilities.
How do sides differ in a debate?
Sides in a debate differ based on their perspectives, arguments, and proposed solutions to the issue at hand.
How can sides influence public opinion?
Sides can influence public opinion through advocacy, persuasive arguments, and presenting information that supports their stance.
Are parties always people in legal contexts?
Parties in legal contexts can be individuals, companies, organizations, or government entities, not just people.
Can an organization be a party to a contract?
Yes, organizations, including companies and non-profits, can be parties to contracts, entering into agreements in their professional capacity.
What is the role of a party in negotiations?
A party in negotiations participates in discussions to reach an agreement, representing their interests and objectives.
Is it possible to switch sides in a debate?
Yes, individuals or groups may switch sides in a debate if persuaded by opposing arguments or if their viewpoints change.
What is the importance of a party's role in legal agreements?
A party's role in legal agreements is important for defining their obligations, rights, and responsibilities under the law, ensuring accountability and fairness.
How are parties identified in legal documents?
Parties are identified by their legal names or designations such as "plaintiff" or "defendant" in legal documents, ensuring clarity in legal proceedings.
What happens when sides in a conflict cannot agree?
When sides in a conflict cannot agree, it may lead to further negotiations, mediation, or in some cases, legal action to resolve the dispute.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
