Aside vs. Besides: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
"Aside" means "to one side" or a brief remark, while "besides" means "in addition to" or "apart from."
Difference Between Aside and Besides
"Aside" and "besides" are two terms frequently used in the English language, each possessing its own distinct meanings and applications.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 01, 2023
The term "aside" can signify a movement to one side or refer to a remark made to be heard by a select few, particularly in the context of plays. In theatrical performances, actors use asides to express their inner thoughts to the audience without other characters hearing them. Similarly, in general conversations, a comment might be whispered as an aside to a specific individual.
Muazma Batool
Oct 01, 2023
"Besides," on the other hand, generally introduces additional information or alternatives. It implies "in addition to" or "apart from." For example, when discussing favorite activities, one might say, "Besides reading, I also enjoy hiking." The word can also be used to indicate an exception or emphasize a point, suggesting there's no other reason or alternative.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 01, 2023
Another differentiation emerges when considering the grammatical roles they play. While "aside" often functions as an adverb or a noun, "besides" can be an adverb, preposition, or conjunction, depending on its placement and context in a sentence.
Leo
Oct 01, 2023
To encapsulate, "aside" frequently alludes to a side comment or a lateral movement, whereas "besides" introduces supplementary data or choices. Understanding their nuanced differences is crucial to ensure their proper usage in speech and writing.
Levi
Oct 01, 2023
Aside vs. Besides Comparison Chart
Usage examples
He stepped aside; He whispered an aside.
Besides chocolate, she loves vanilla; Who is there besides you?
Kaitlyn
Oct 01, 2023
Aside vs. Besides Definitions
◉Besides
In addition to; also.
She sings and plays guitar, and besides, she writes her own songs.
Nolan
Sep 11, 2023
◉Aside
Out of one's thoughts or mind.
Put your worries aside and enjoy the holiday.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
◉Aside
Not in one's consideration or removed from.
All joking aside, we need to focus on the task.
Nolan
Sep 11, 2023
◉Besides
Otherwise than or except by.
There's no way to solve this besides hard work.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
◉Besides
In addition; also
I could smell the ocean, some pine trees, and something else besides.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
Moreover; furthermore
I'm too tired to go for a walk. Besides, it's raining.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
Being excepted or excluded from consideration
All joking aside, can you swim two miles?.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
Except for; other than
No one besides the owner could control the angry dog.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
A piece of dialogue intended for the audience and supposedly not heard by the other actors on stage.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
A remark made in an undertone so as to be inaudible to others nearby.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
Other than; except for; instead of.
I don't want to go anywhere besides India.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
To or on one side so as to be out of the way.
Move aside, please, so that these people can come through.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
Not in perfect symmetry; distorted laterally, especially of the human body.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
(conjunctive) Used to emphasize an additional point, especially an important or stronger reason; moreover; furthermore.
I don't feel like going out tonight. Besides, I have to work tomorrow morning anyway.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
An incidental remark to a person next to one made discreetly but not in private, audible only to that person.theatre (theatre) A brief comment by a character addressing the audience, unheard by other characters.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
On, or to, one side; out of a straight line, course, or direction; at a little distance from the rest; out of the way; apart.
Thou shalt set aside that which is full.
But soft! but soft! aside: here comes the king.
The flames were blown aside.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
More than that; over and above; not included in the number, or in what has been mentioned; moreover; in addition.
The men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides ?
To all beside, as much an empty shade,An Eugene living, as a Cæsar dead.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
So as to be heard by others; privately.
Then lords and ladies spake aside.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
Over and above; separate or distinct from; in addition to; other than; else than. See Beside, prep., 3, and Syn. under Beside.
Besides your cheer, you shall have sport.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
Something spoken aside; as, a remark made by a stageplayer which the other players are not supposed to hear.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Besides
making an additional point; anyway;
I don't want to go to a restaurant; besides, we can't afford it
she couldn't shelter behind him all the time and in any case he wasn't always with her
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
a line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
on or to one side;
step aside
stood aside to let him pass
threw the book aside
put her sewing aside when he entered
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
out of the way (especially away from one's thoughts);
brush the objections aside
pushed all doubts away
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
not taken into account or excluded from consideration;
these problems apart, the country is doing well
all joking aside, I think you're crazy
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
placed or kept separate and distinct as for a purpose;
had a feeling of being set apart
quality sets it apart
a day set aside for relaxing
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
in reserve; not for immediate use;
started setting aside money to buy a car
put something by for her old age
has a nestegg tucked away for a rainy day
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Aside
A remark or passage in a play intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters.
The actor delivered a witty aside.
William
Sep 11, 2023
Aside vs. Besides Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use aside to mean other than?
No, "aside" typically doesn't convey the meaning of "other than." Use "besides" for that sense.
Muazma Batool
Oct 01, 2023
Are aside and besides interchangeable?
No, they have different meanings and should be used in their respective contexts.
Muazma Batool
Oct 01, 2023
Is an aside in drama the same as in general use?
The concept is similar, denoting a deviation or direct address, but in drama, it's specifically a remark to the audience.
Muazma Batool
Oct 01, 2023
Is besides always followed by another item or idea?
Typically, "besides" introduces additional items or ideas, but it can also be used to emphasize a point.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 01, 2023
In which contexts is aside most commonly used?
"Aside" is often used in literature, drama, and everyday conversation to introduce a side remark.
Olivia
Oct 01, 2023
How does besides differ from beside?
"Besides" means "in addition to," while "beside" means "next to" or "adjacent."
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 01, 2023
Can I use besides to introduce an unrelated point?
"Besides" typically introduces additional or alternative information, not entirely unrelated points.
Nolan
Oct 01, 2023
How can I remember the difference between the two?
Recall "aside" for deviation or direct address and "besides" for addition or alternative.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 01, 2023
How do I know when to use aside or besides in a sentence?
Consider the intended meaning: "aside" for deviation or side remarks, "besides" for additional or alternative information.
Henry
Oct 01, 2023
Are there other meanings of aside and besides not discussed here?
While these are primary usages, both words have nuanced meanings that can vary slightly based on context. Always consider the overall sentence or paragraph when choosing words.
Kaitlyn
Oct 01, 2023
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
