Beside vs. Aside — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
"Beside" means next to or adjacent, while "aside" implies a movement away or a secondary thought. Both have distinct meanings in context.
Difference Between Beside and Aside
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Beside vs. Aside in Meaning: "Beside" typically refers to a physical location, indicating that something is next to or adjacent to something else. In contrast, "aside" often suggests a movement to the side or introduces a separate or secondary thought.
Usage in Context: Using "beside" communicates closeness or proximity. For example, "She sat beside him during the concert." On the other hand, "aside" might be used to denote a comment meant to be heard by a limited audience, as in "He whispered an aside to his friend."
Grammatical Function: While both "beside" and "aside" can serve as prepositions, their usages differ. "Beside" positions one element in relation to another spatially. "Aside," especially when used as an adverb, indicates a brief departure from the main topic or action.
Common Phrases: Common phrases incorporate both words. With "beside," you might hear "beside the point," meaning irrelevant. For "aside," a typical phrase might be "set aside," indicating something kept for a specific purpose or time.
Literal vs. Figurative Use: "Beside" often has a more literal connotation, relating to physical placement. "Aside," while sometimes literal (like moving something to the side), can also be figurative, as when used to introduce a secondary thought or comment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Next to or adjacent
A movement away or secondary thought
Typical Usage
Indicates closeness or proximity
Introduces a separate comment or denotes movement to the side
Grammatical Function
Mainly used as a preposition
Can function as a preposition, adverb, or noun
Example in Phrases
"Beside the point" (irrelevant)
"Set aside" (reserve for a purpose)
Literal vs. Figurative
Often more literal (physical placement)
Can be both literal (move aside) and figurative (a comment or thought)
Compare with Definitions
Beside
In comparison with.
Beside her achievements, mine seem insignificant.
Aside
Set apart as not to be considered or dealt with.
I'm putting some money aside for our vacation.
Beside
Next to or adjoining something else.
The pen is right beside the notebook.
Aside
To one side; out of the way.
She stepped aside to let him pass.
Beside
To be emotionally supportive or encouraging to someone.
He stood beside her throughout her challenges.
Aside
Apart from; other than.
No one knew about the plan aside from him.
Beside
Other than; except for.
There's no one beside you who understands me better.
Aside
A temporary departure from a main theme or topic.
Just as an aside, have you eaten at that new restaurant?
Beside
At the side of; next to
The table beside the bed
He sat beside me in the front seat
Aside
A remark or passage in a play intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters.
He delivered an aside about the main character's past.
Beside
In addition to; apart from
He commissioned work from other artists beside Minton
Aside
An aside is a dramatic device in which a character speaks to the audience. By convention the audience is to realize that the character's speech is unheard by the other characters on stage.
Beside
At the side of; next to.
Aside
To or toward the side
Step aside.
Beside
In comparison with
A proposal that seems quite reasonable beside the others.
Aside
Out of one's thoughts or mind
Put my doubts aside.
Beside
On an equal footing with
Has earned a place beside the best performers in the business.
Aside
Apart
A day set aside for relaxing.
Beside
In addition to
"Many creatures beside man live in communities" (Stuart Chase). See Usage Note at besides.
Aside
In reserve; away
Put a little money aside.
Beside
Except for. See Usage Note at besides.
Aside
Being excepted or excluded from consideration
All joking aside, can you swim two miles?.
Beside
Not relevant to
A remark that was beside the point.
Aside
A piece of dialogue intended for the audience and supposedly not heard by the other actors on stage.
Beside
In addition.
Aside
A remark made in an undertone so as to be inaudible to others nearby.
Beside
Nearby.
Aside
A parenthetical departure; a digression.
Beside
Next to; at the side of.
A small table beside the bed
Aside
To or on one side so as to be out of the way.
Move aside, please, so that these people can come through.
Beside
Not relevant to.
That is beside the point
Aside
Not in perfect symmetry; distorted laterally, especially of the human body.
Beside
Besides; in addition.
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.
Beside
Otherwise; else; besides.
Aside
A minor related mention, an afterthought.
Beside
At the side of; on one side of.
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.
Beside
Aside from; out of the regular course or order of; in a state of deviation from; out of.
[You] have done enoughTo put him quite beside his patience.
Aside
Out of one's thoughts; off; away; as, to put aside gloomy thoughts.
Beside
Over and above; distinct from; in addition to.
Wise and learned men beside those whose names are in the Christian records.
Paul, thou art beside thyself.
Lovely Thais sits beside thee.
Only be patient till we have appeasedThe multitude, beside themselves with fear.
It is beside my present business to enlarge on this speculation.
Besides this, there are persons in certain situations who are expected to be charitable.
And, besides, the MoorMay unfold me to him; there stand I in much peril.
That man that does not know those things which are of necessity for him to know is but an ignorant man, whatever he may know besides.
Aside
So as to be heard by others; privately.
Then lords and ladies spake aside.
Aside
Something spoken aside; as, a remark made by a stageplayer which the other players are not supposed to hear.
Aside
A line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
Aside
A message that departs from the main subject
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
Aside
Out of the way (especially away from one's thoughts);
Brush the objections aside
Pushed all doubts away
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
Aside
In a different direction;
Turn aside
Turn away one's face
Glanced away
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
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
Common Curiosities
Is "beside" mainly a preposition?
Yes, "beside" typically serves as a preposition.
Can "beside" mean "compared to"?
Yes, in phrases like "beside her talents," it means "in comparison with."
Can "aside" function as an adverb?
Yes, "aside" can be a preposition, adverb, or noun.
Does "aside" always refer to physical movement?
No, "aside" can also introduce a secondary thought or comment.
Does "aside" in a play mean a secret comment?
Yes, it's a remark intended for the audience, not other characters.
Can "aside" suggest a temporary departure in conversation?
Yes, it can introduce a brief digression or secondary thought.
Do "beside" and "aside" both indicate location?
"Beside" typically indicates location (next to), while "aside" suggests movement away or a secondary thought.
Can "beside" and "aside" be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct meanings and cannot typically replace one another.
Does "beside" imply emotional support?
Yes, in contexts like "standing beside someone," it indicates emotional support.
Can "beside" imply exception?
Yes, as in "no one beside you," it means "other than you."
Is "putting money aside" about saving?
Yes, it means to reserve or save money for a purpose.
Is "beside the point" about relevance?
Yes, it means that something is irrelevant.
Does "aside" in phrases like "aside from" mean "except for"?
Yes, "aside from" can mean "other than" or "except for."
Can "aside" indicate something reserved?
Yes, in phrases like "set aside," it means reserved for a purpose.
Does "beside" always have a literal meaning?
Often, but not always. It can be used figuratively, like in "beside oneself with joy."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Greenhouse vs. Hothouse
Next Comparison
Duo vs. CoupleAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
