Main Entry:

¹be·side

Pronunciation:

\bi-ˈsīd, bē-\

Function:

preposition

Etymology:

Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English be sīdan at or to the side, from be at (from bī) + sīdan, dative & accusative of sīde side — more at by

Date:

13th century

1 a: by the side of <walk beside me> b: in comparison with c: on a par with2: besides3: not relevant to <beside the point>

— beside oneself

: in a state of extreme excitement