BESIDE meaning and definition

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What Does "Beside" Mean?

In everyday language, the word "beside" is often used to describe a location or position. However, its meaning can be more nuanced than it seems at first glance. In this article, we'll delve into the various connotations and uses of "beside" to help you better understand this versatile preposition.

Physical Proximity

The most straightforward sense of "beside" is physical proximity. It indicates that something or someone is next to or near another thing. For example:

The book was beside me on the table.
She sat beside him at the dinner party.

In these cases, "beside" implies a spatial relationship where two objects or people are in close proximity but not necessarily touching.

Equivalence and Similarity

Another common use of "beside" is to imply equivalence or similarity between two things. This can be seen in phrases such as:

The new policy was beside the old one.
His skills were beside those of a professional athlete.

In these examples, "beside" suggests that the two things being compared are comparable in terms of quality, value, or significance.

Temporal Proximity

When used to describe time, "beside" implies that two events or periods are contiguous but not necessarily simultaneous. For instance:

The meeting was beside the conference.
She spent three years beside her studies.

In these cases, "beside" indicates that one event or period is happening concurrently with another, even if they're not occurring at exactly the same time.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Beside" also appears in idiomatic expressions where its meaning can be more figurative than literal. For example:

It's beside the point: This phrase means that something being discussed is irrelevant or unimportant.
On the other hand, it's beside the question: This expression implies that a topic or issue is not relevant to the current discussion.

In these cases, "beside" serves as a transition word to introduce a new idea or perspective, rather than indicating physical proximity.

Conclusion

As we've seen, "beside" has multiple meanings and uses beyond its literal sense of physical proximity. Whether describing spatial relationships, equivalence, temporal proximity, idiomatic expressions, or figurative language, this versatile preposition can add nuance and complexity to your writing and speaking. By understanding the various connotations of "beside", you'll be better equipped to convey your intended meaning and communicate more effectively with others.