beside

1 of 2

preposition

be·​side bi-ˈsīd 

bē-

1

a

: by the side of

walk beside me

a house beside a small lake

b

: in comparison with

potential complications are minor beside the benefits

c

: on a par with

a composition that can be ranked beside that of the masters

2

: not relevant to

but that's beside the point

3

: besides

No one knows beside me.

learning other languages beside French and English

see also:

beside oneself

beside

2 of 2

adverb

1

archaic : nearby

2

archaic : besides

Synonyms of beside

Preposition

• besides
• along with

Examples of beside in a Sentence

Preposition

She sat beside him during dinner.

The man beside her was wearing a brown suit and hat.

They were walking beside me.

Stand beside the statue and I'll take your picture.

Their house is beside a small lake.

These problems seem unimportant beside the potential benefits of the new system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

Sunrise hikes beside the statues, volcanic landscapes, local guides and museums bring Rapa Nui culture to life, while conservation programs protect the archaeological sites and local communities continue to preserve their traditions, language, music and dance. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

The four 8-foot-long benches were installed over a span of eight hours May 29 beside the regulation-size bocce court along the Draper Avenue side of the Rec Center grounds. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026

Adverb

The other positions itself beside, as if to partner in the journey, with the intent to grow. —Mary Hemphill, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

On the floor beside or behind refrigerators with ice makers. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Preposition and Adverb

Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English be sīdan at or to the side, from be at (from bī) + sīdan, dative & accusative of sīde side — more at by

First Known Use

Preposition

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing beside

• beside oneself
• beside the point

Rhymes for beside

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

beside

preposition

be·​side

bi-ˈsīd

1

a

: by the side of

walk beside me

b

: in comparison with

the kitten looks tiny beside that big dog

2

: besides entry 1

was the only one, beside me, who objected

3

: not relating to

beside the point