DictionaryAI

aside

uh-SYD/əˈsaɪd/

Noun pluralasides

7 meanings of aside

Practice

  1. 1
    not countingadverb
    Not counted or thought about, kept apart from the main topic.

    Like ignoring one small mess so you can clean the big one first.

    Money aside, the plan still has serious problems.

    Joking aside, we really need to finish this today.

    UsagePut it after the noun, at the start: joking aside, money aside, then a comma.

    Similarapart

  2. 2
    to one sideadverb
    Off to one side, so that something is out of the way.

    Like moving your bag off a seat so someone else can sit down.

    She stepped aside to let the runners pass.

    He pushed the boxes aside to find his keys.

    UsageUse it after verbs like step, move or push: step aside.

    Similaraway

    Note
  3. 3
    saved for lateradverb
    Saved to use later or for one special reason, as in "put money aside".

    She puts a little money aside every week for a new bike.

    Can you set aside a piece of cake for your brother?

    UsageSay put money aside or put aside money, but put it aside (not incorrect: put aside it).

    Similaraway, by

  4. 4
    side notenouncountable
    A small extra comment added to the main point, almost as an afterthought.

    Like adding 'oh, by the way' to something you just said.

    She mentioned the cost as an aside near the end of the talk.

    As an aside, he added that the museum closes early on Sundays.

    UsageOften in as an aside. You can also make an aside.

    Similardigression, afterthought, remark, comment

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    quiet remarknouncountable
    A quiet remark said to the person next to you, not meant for everyone to hear.

    Like whispering a quick joke to your friend so only they hear it.

    He muttered an aside to his brother during the speech.

    During the movie, she whispered an aside to me about the actor's hair.

    UsageYou whisper an aside to someone.

    Similarcomment

  2. 6
    to the audiencenouncountable
    In a play, words a character speaks to the audience that the other characters do not hear.

    Like a character turning to the camera to tell you a secret the others can't hear.

    The villain revealed his evil plan in an aside to the audience.

    In an aside, the hero told us he doubted his closest friend.

    UsageAn actor says something in an aside.

    Note
  3. 7
    adjectiverare
    Bent or twisted to one side, not even on both halves, said especially of the body.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of aside apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English aside, from Old English on sidan, meaning "on the side."

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts