besides
- 1In addition to; over and above what has already been mentioned.
Besides her full-time job, she volunteers at the animal shelter on weekends.
Several other countries besides Canada signed the agreement.
UsageNot the same as beside (next to): several countries besides Canada means Canada too.
- 2Used to introduce an additional point, especially a more important or stronger reason; moreover.
The plan is too risky, and besides, we lack the funding to attempt it.
I'd rather stay home tonight; besides, I promised to call my parents.
UsageCommon in speech, often with anyway later: Besides, I'm busy anyway. In formal writing, moreover or furthermore does the same job.
Similarmoreover, furthermore, anyway
Note
Often the clinching move in an argument. Placed at the head of a clause and usually followed by a comma, it brings in a further reason, frequently one the speaker treats as settling the matter.
- 3Other than; apart from; except for what is mentioned.
There was nothing in the drawer besides a few old photographs.
No one besides the manager can authorize a refund.
UsageUsually after a negative or a word like nothing, no one or anywhere: nothing besides a few photos means only those.
Note
Here the word subtracts instead of adding. Compare the additive meaning, where several countries besides Canada includes Canada. Ask whether the named thing is counted in or set apart, and the surrounding negative usually gives the answer.
- 4In addition to what has already been mentioned; as well; else.
The house has a large garden, and a swimming pool besides.
The new contract raised her salary and gave her two extra weeks of vacation besides.
UsageUsually comes last, after what it adds to: a pool besides. Most common today in the set phrase and more besides.
Similaralso
Note
Stevenson's Kidnapped (1886) gives Cluny caves, besides, and underground chambers. BBC Sport in 2012 says Chelsea must produce the same and more besides. In both, the adverb follows what it adds to, and the set phrase and more besides is now its commonest setting. That late position separates it from the "moreover" meaning, which opens a clause.
Less common meanings
- 5Next to or at the side of someone or something; now an informal use, where standard English has beside.
"Yeah, I was standing right besides him when he dropped his phone," she said.
"We just parked besides the dumpster and walked in," he said with a shrug.
UsageCareful writing uses beside for next to: beside the door, beside him.
Note
This use was once ordinary written English, not a slip. The Geneva Bible sends its travelers out of the city besides a river, and Spenser's The Faerie Queene (1590) lays a dead knight besides them both. The word is beside plus an old adverbial -s, so the two forms long overlapped.
- 6To or on one side; aside.
Yet Teucer would another shaft, at Hectors life dispose; So faine, he such a marke would hit: but still besides it goes;
c. 1611, George Chapman, The Iliads of HomerNote
Gone from use, and best met in early modern verse. In George Chapman's translation The Iliads of Homer (c. 1611), Teucer aims at Hector, but still besides it goes: the arrow flies to one side and misses its mark. Read it there as "off to the side." A modern writer who means this should write aside, since besides will be read as "in addition."
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- George Chapman translated The Iliads of Homer. apps.lib.umich.edu
- The complete translation was first published around 1611. apps.lib.umich.edu
- The passage describes Teucer aiming an arrow at Hector and missing, and contains the exact words 'but still besides it goes'. en.wiktionary.org
- Besides in this passage means 'off to the side'. en.wiktionary.org
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
This is beside with the adverbial suffix -s added: Middle English bisides (also bisiden) extended the older biside.