Aside vs. Besides: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Aside" often refers to a comment made to a select audience or a deviation from the main topic; "Besides" means in addition to or apart from.
Key Differences
"Aside" is typically used to indicate a statement or remark that deviates from the main subject, often as a brief comment or thought. "Besides," on the other hand, serves to introduce additional information, emphasizing an extra point or an alternative consideration.
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Nov 20, 2023
In literature and drama, "aside" is a technique where a character's dialogue is spoken but not heard by other characters on stage. Contrastingly, "Besides" is used in everyday language to add more information or to list additional items or arguments.
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Nov 20, 2023
"Aside" can also signify a physical placement, indicating something is to the side or away from the main area. In contrast, "Besides" is used in arguments or discussions to introduce counterpoints or additional reasons.
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When "Aside" is used, it often implies a temporary shift in focus or attention, highlighting a secondary or less important point. "Besides," however, is used to strengthen a point by adding supplementary information.
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"Aside" can function as a noun, verb, or adverb, depending on its usage in a sentence. "Besides," predominantly used as a preposition or a conjunction, connects clauses or introduces additional elements in a sentence.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Can be noun, verb, or adverb
Mainly used as preposition or conjunction
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Usage in Literature
Technique for secret dialogue or thoughts
Not specifically used in a literary sense
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Meaning in Conversation
Implies deviation or secondary point
Suggests addition or extra information
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Use in Arguments
Highlights a tangential point
Introduces counterpoints or additional reasons
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Spatial or Contextual Use
Refers to placement to the side
Means "apart from" or "in addition to"
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Aside and Besides Definitions
Aside
A remark not intended to be heard by everyone present.
He whispered an aside to his friend during the meeting.
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Aside
Used in plays for characters' secret thoughts.
The actor delivered a poignant aside about the character's past.
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Aside
Out of one's thoughts or consideration.
Put your doubts aside and trust me.
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Besides
As a further reason or argument.
You should join us for the hike; besides, it’s great exercise.
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Besides
Used to introduce an additional point.
Besides, I think it’s too late to change plans now.
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Besides
Used to indicate that one option is better.
Why go out for dinner? Besides, I prefer home-cooked meals.
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Besides
In addition; also
I could smell the ocean, some pine trees, and something else besides.
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Oct 19, 2023
Besides
Moreover; furthermore
I'm too tired to go for a walk. Besides, it's raining.
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Aside
Being excepted or excluded from consideration
All joking aside, can you swim two miles?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Aside
A piece of dialogue intended for the audience and supposedly not heard by the other actors on stage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Aside
A remark made in an undertone so as to be inaudible to others nearby.
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Besides
Except for; other than
No one besides the owner could control the angry dog.
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Aside
To or on one side so as to be out of the way.
Move aside, please, so that these people can come through.
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Oct 19, 2023
Besides
Other than; except for; instead of.
I don't want to go anywhere besides India.
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Aside
Not in perfect symmetry; distorted laterally, especially of the human body.
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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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Aside
So as to be heard by others; privately.
Then lords and ladies spake aside.
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Aside
Something spoken aside; as, a remark made by a stageplayer which the other players are not supposed to hear.
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Oct 19, 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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Aside
A line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
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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.
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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
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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
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Oct 19, 2023
Aside
Out of the way (especially away from one's thoughts);
Brush the objections aside
Pushed all doubts away
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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
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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
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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
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Aside
A departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
She made a humorous aside about her vacation.
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Nov 20, 2023
Aside
Positioned to the side or away from a main area.
He set the notes aside on the desk.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "besides" start a sentence?
Yes, often to introduce an additional point.
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Is "aside" used in formal writing?
Yes, particularly in literature and scholarly works.
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Does "besides" always imply an addition?
Generally, it introduces extra information or alternatives.
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Is "aside" a directional term?
Yes, it can indicate something placed to the side.
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Is "aside" commonly used in everyday conversation?
Yes, especially for brief, tangential comments.
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What is an example of "aside" in a play?
A character quietly revealing their thoughts to the audience.
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Can "besides" mean "except for"?
In some contexts, it can imply "other than."
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Are "asides" always spoken out loud?
In drama, they are spoken; in prose, they can be internal thoughts.
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Does "aside" always indicate secrecy?
Often, but not always; context matters.
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Can "besides" function as a conjunction?
Yes, it can connect clauses in a sentence.
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Is "besides" appropriate in academic writing?
Yes, when used to add supplementary points.
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Is "aside" commonly used in speeches?
Yes, for rhetorical effect or to address a specific audience.
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Can "besides" be used to strengthen an argument?
Yes, by adding more supporting details or reasons.
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Can "aside" be used in non-dramatic writing?
Yes, to denote a digression or parenthetical comment.
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Does "besides" imply equality among items listed?
Not necessarily, it can simply add items to a list or argument.
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Can "aside" indicate a physical movement?
Yes, like moving something to the side.
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Can "besides" introduce a contrasting point?
Yes, especially in arguments or discussions.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is "aside" a formal term?
It can be both formal and informal, depending on usage.
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Nov 20, 2023
How does "besides" differ from "beside"?
"Besides" adds information, "beside" means next to.
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Does "besides" always follow a comma?
Not always, but it often does when introducing a new clause.
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Nov 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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