Laterality Definition: What Is Lateral Dominance?

Meaning 1：preference for one side (laterality)

laterality 🔊

/ˌlætəˈræləti/

It means the tendency to prefer using one side of your body more than the other, like being right-handed or left-handed.

Laterality illustrated by a dominant hand writing while the other rests, showing sided preference.

preference for one side 🔊

➕

/ˈprɛfərəns fər wʌn saɪd/

The tendency to favor using one side of the body over the other, such as in handedness or footedness.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'lateral' (side) + '-ity' (state or quality).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'lateral' for side and '-ity' for quality, so laterality means the quality of favoring one side.

📖 Example

When training young athletes, coaches often assess their laterality to design exercises that improve coordination on their weaker side. 🔊 When training young athletes, coaches often assess their laterality to design exercises that improve coordination on their weaker side.

🔗 Collocations

assess laterality – to evaluate side preference

hand laterality – the preference for using one hand

laterality index – a measure of side dominance

🔄 Synonyms

handedness (n.) – the preference for using one hand over the other

sidedness (n.) – the condition of favoring one side

lateral dominance (n.) – the dominance of one side of the body

🚫 Antonyms

ambidexterity (n.) – the ability to use both hands equally well

symmetry (n.) – balanced or equal on both sides

🌱 Derivatives

lateral (adj.) – relating to the side

laterally (adv.) – in a sideward direction

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'lateralis', meaning 'of the side', derived from 'latus' (side). Entered English in the 17th century to describe asymmetry in bodily functions like handedness.