What does besides mean?
'Besides' functions as both a preposition and an adverb, and in modern English its core meaning is addition rather than position. As a preposition, it means 'in addition to' or 'apart from', as in 'Besides English, she speaks French and German'. It can also mean 'other than' or 'except for', as in 'No one was invited besides close friends'. As an adverb, it means 'moreover' or 'anyway', typically introducing an additional point in conversation: 'I'm not hungry; besides, we just ate'. The word is frequently confused with 'beside', which refers to physical position next to something. A useful memory aid is that 'besides' usually carries an added element of quantity or argument, while 'beside' is purely spatial. Common fixed expressions include 'besides the point' and 'besides himself', the latter describing someone overwhelmed with emotion. Versatile and frequent in everyday speech, 'besides' helps writers and speakers layer ideas naturally without sounding stiff or overly formal.
In addition to; apart from.
"Besides the main course, they served two desserts."
Can also mean 'except for': 'Nobody knew besides her.'
In addition; moreover.
"It's too expensive, and besides, I don't really need it."
Typically used in informal speech to introduce an additional reason or afterthought.
The difference between sitting beside someone and being beside yourself comes down to a single letter — and one of those phrases has nothing to do with location at all.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does besides come from?
'Besides' originated in Middle English as the adverbial form of 'beside', formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-s' (a survival of Old English genitive constructions) to the phrase 'be sīdan', meaning 'by the side of'. It entered written use in the late medieval period and gradually developed the additive senses of 'in addition to' and 'apart from' during the Early Modern period. Its root, 'side', is a common Germanic noun found throughout the Germanic language family, making words like 'sideways' and 'alongside' distant relatives sharing the same origin.
How besides is actually used
As a preposition, 'besides' is common in both formal and informal writing, though some style guides prefer 'in addition to' in very formal contexts. As an adverb ('besides' meaning 'anyway' or 'moreover'), it is distinctly conversational and often introduces a reason or afterthought. In older or literary English, 'besides' could occasionally mean 'near', but this sense is now obsolete.
Easily confused with besides
'Beside' means physically next to, while 'besides' means in addition to.