Definition of beside
1a : by the side of walk beside me a house beside a small lakeb : in comparison with potential complications are minor beside the benefitsc : on a par with a composition that can be ranked beside that of the masters
2 : besides No one knows beside me. learning other languages beside French and English
3 : not relevant to but that's beside the point
beside oneself
: in a state of extreme excitement
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of beside in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of beside
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: 13th century
Origin and Etymology of beside
see 1beside
First Known Use: 14th century
BESIDE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of beside for English Language Learners
-
: by the side of (someone or something) : next to (someone or something)
-
: in comparison with (something)
BESIDE Defined for Kids
Headscratcher for beside
If you are beside yourself, you're not by your own side. When you're beside yourself, you're very upset.
Learn More about beside
-
See words that rhyme with beside Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for beside Spanish Central: Translation of beside Nglish: Translation of beside for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of beside for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up beside? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!