beside

1 of 2

preposition

be·​side bi-ˈsīd 

bē-

1

a

: by the side of

walk beside me

a house beside a small lake

b

: in comparison with

potential complications are minor beside the benefits

c

: on a par with

a composition that can be ranked beside that of the masters

2

: not relevant to

but that's beside the point

3

: besides

No one knows beside me.

learning other languages beside French and English

beside

2 of 2

adverb

1

archaic : nearby

2

archaic : besides

Phrases

beside oneself

: in a state of extreme excitement

Synonyms

Preposition

• besides
• along with

Examples of beside in a Sentence

Preposition

She sat beside him during dinner.

The man beside her was wearing a brown suit and hat.

They were walking beside me.

Stand beside the statue and I'll take your picture.

Their house is beside a small lake.

These problems seem unimportant beside the potential benefits of the new system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

Topline Stargazers are in for a rare celestial treat this weekend as the elusive planet Mercury makes a brief appearance beside a delicate crescent moon in the evening sky. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Three-year-old Rae lay beside the two, warming herself in the sun. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

Adverb

In one shot, five pacers form a half-diamond in front, beside, and behind the central runner. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 12 June 2025

Suarez appeared beside in him a photo from the exciting event. —Michael Nied, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Preposition and Adverb

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

First Known Use

Preposition

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing beside

• beside oneself
• beside the point

Rhymes for beside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

beside

preposition

be·​side

bi-ˈsīd

1

a

: by the side of

walk beside me

b

: in comparison with

the kitten looks tiny beside that big dog

2

: besides entry 1

was the only one, beside me, who objected

3

: not relating to

beside the point