# besides

Pronunciation: say "bi-SYDZ" /bɪˈsaɪdz/

## Preposition

1. In addition to; over and above what has already been mentioned.
   - Simple: Used to add one more thing to what is already there.
   - _Besides her full-time job, she volunteers at the animal shelter on weekends._
   - _Several other countries besides Canada signed the agreement._
3. Other than; apart from; except for what is mentioned.
   - Simple: Used to mean apart from or except for something.
   - _There was nothing in the drawer besides a few old photographs._
   - _No one besides the manager can authorize a refund._
5. Next to or at the side of someone or something; now an informal use, where standard English has beside. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: Next to or at the side of someone or something. This is a casual way of saying 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._

## Adverb

2. Used to introduce an additional point, especially a more important or stronger reason; moreover.
   - Simple: Used to add another reason, often a stronger one, to what you just said.
   - _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._
4. In addition to what has already been mentioned; as well; else.
   - Simple: As well as what has already been said, or other than that.
   - _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._

## Adverb

6. To or on one side; aside. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Used to mean off to one side, or aside.

## Origin

This is beside with the adverbial suffix -s added: Middle English bisides (also bisiden) extended the older biside.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/besides (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).