beside
UK: bɪˈsaɪd | US: bɪˈsaɪd
prep. at the side of; next to
prep. compared with
prep. in addition to; apart from
The word "beside" (modern "beside") originated in Middle English as a combination of the prefix "be-" (from Old English "bī," meaning "by" or "near") and "side" (from Old English "sīde," meaning "flank" or "edge"). The prefix "be-" often intensifies or locates the root word, while "side" retains its core meaning of spatial adjacency. Over time, "beside" evolved to encompass metaphorical uses, such as comparison ("beside the point") or exclusion ("beside oneself"). The word reflects a straightforward spatial logic, anchoring abstract relationships in physical proximity.
She sat beside me during the meeting.
My work seems insignificant beside yours.
That remark is beside the point.
He was beside himself with joy.
The cat slept beside the fireplace.