Besides
/bɪˈsaɪdz/
prepositionBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
In addition to; apart from.
/bɪˈsaɪdz/
prepositionneutralBeginner
General
Besides the obvious dangers, there were hidden risks.
💡 Simply: Also; in addition to.
More Examples
2
Besides singing, she also plays the piano.
How It's Used
General conversation
"Besides the cake, we also had ice cream."
2
In addition; what is more.
/bɪˈsaɪdz/
adverbneutralIntermediate
General
Moreover; furthermore.
Besides, it's too late to start now.
💡 Simply: Also; furthermore.
More Examples
2
The car is expensive; besides, it's unreliable.
How It's Used
Formal writing
"The evidence is weak; besides, the timing is suspect."
Tip:Think of it as adding another point to an argument.
From Middle English *beside, from Old English *bē sidan ('by the side'). It evolved from its original locative meaning to its current inclusive and exclusive usages.
Historically, 'besides' was more frequently used in its locative sense ('by the side of') but this usage is now largely archaic.
Memory tip
Think 'by the side' - it's something added to the main thing.
Practice
besidedbesids
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written