besides

1 of 3

preposition

be·​sides bi-ˈsīdz 

bē-

1

: other than, except

no one besides us

Nothing besides a miracle could help them.

2

: together with

a decision that, besides being practical, is morally right

besides

2 of 3

adverb

1

: as well : also

serves pizza, pasta, and many other foods besides

2

: moreover, furthermore

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

besides

3 of 3

adjective

: else

knows a lot about pop culture but very little besides

Synonyms

Preposition

• as well as
• beside
• beyond
• over and above

Adverb

• additionally
• again
• also
• either
• further
• furthermore
• likewise
• more
• moreover
• then
• too
• withal
• yet

Examples of besides in a Sentence

Preposition

She wants to learn other languages besides English and French.

Besides its famous cakes, the bakery also makes delicious breads and cookies.

These salads are delicious besides being healthy.

I'm not ready to get married yet. Besides which, I enjoy living alone.

Adverb

They serve pasta and many other foods besides.

I'm not ready to get married yet. Besides, I enjoy living alone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

But his death had many contributing factors besides being unable to breath while face down on the ground. —Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati.com, 2 June 2020

The airline’s crew members and ground services personnel are undergoing detailed health check-ups at regular intervals, besides wearing protective gear at all times. —Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, 31 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

see beside entry 1

Adverb

see beside entry 1

Adjective

see beside entry 1

First Known Use

Preposition

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

besides

1 of 2 preposition

be·​sides bi-ˈsīdz 

1

: except for

no one besides me knows about it

2

: in addition to

besides being useful, it looks good

besides

2 of 2 adverb

: in addition : also

had a big dinner and dessert besides