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besides

bi-SYDZ/bɪˈsaɪdz/

6 meanings of besides

Practice

  1. 1
    in addition topreposition
    Used to add one more thing to what is already there.

    Like adding one more item to a list you already have.

    Besides math, she also studies music after school.

    She speaks French and Spanish besides English.

    UsageDon't mix it up with beside, which means next to.

  2. 2
    added reasonadverb
    Used to add another reason, often a stronger one, to what you just said.

    Like saving an even better reason for last.

    I don't want to go out tonight. Besides, I have an early meeting tomorrow.

    We can't afford the trip. Besides, the weather will be terrible all week.

    UsageIt usually comes first, with a comma after it: Besides, I'm tired.

    Similarmoreover, furthermore, anyway

    Note
  3. 3
    except forpreposition
    Used to mean apart from or except for something.

    Like leaving one thing out when you count everything else.

    No one besides you knows the password.

    She has no hobbies besides reading.

    UsageAfter no one, nothing or not, it means except: no one besides you means only you.

    Similarexcept, but

    Note
  4. 4
    adverb
    As well as what has already been said, or other than that.

    Like getting a free gift on top of what you bought.

    He plays guitar, and he sings besides.

    She gave me a meal, and some money besides.

    UsageIt usually goes at the end, as in and more besides.

    Similaralso

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    next toprepositioncolloquial
    Next to or at the side of someone or something. This is a casual way of saying beside.

    "Come sit besides me, I saved you a seat!" she called across the room.

    "Just leave the box besides the front door, thanks," he told the delivery driver.

    UsageIn careful writing, say beside: sit beside me.

    Similarbeside, by, alongside

    Note
  2. 6
    adverbobsolete
    Used to mean off to one side, or 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 HomerHere, besides means off to one side, so the arrow misses.
    Note

Practice

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

Origin

From Middle English bisides, made from the word beside plus an ending used for adverbs.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts