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Definition of besides

besides

/bɪˈsaɪdz/
be · sides
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besides Lexical Profile

besides Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In addition; as a further reason or consideration; furthermore.

Example

"I have too much homework to finish tonight; besides, it is raining heavily outside."

2

Apart from that; otherwise; in other respects.

Example

"He is an accomplished violinist and has many other artistic talents besides."

Synonyms
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• preposition

1

In addition to; as well as.

Example

"Besides teaching university history courses, she has published three critically acclaimed biographies."

2

Other than; except for; apart from.

Example

"There was nobody in the quiet library besides the head librarian and a few graduate students."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for besides
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Easily confused with 'beside': 'beside' is strictly a preposition meaning 'next to' or 'at the side of' (e.g., sitting beside her), whereas 'besides' functions as both a preposition and an adverb meaning 'in addition to', 'apart from', or 'furthermore'.

• Rhymes for besides

• Nearby Words

beset
besetting
beside
besides
besiege
besieger
besmirch

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English around the 13th century by adding the adverbial genitive suffix '-s' to 'beside', which itself derives from the Old English phrase 'be sidan' meaning 'by the side'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Besides. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/besides
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