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 with
2 : besides
3 : not relevant to <beside the point>

— beside oneself : in a state of extreme excitement