besides

[bih-sahydz]

adverb

1. moreover; furthermore; also.

   Besides, I promised her we would come.

   Synonyms: further

2. in addition.

   There are three elm trees and two maples besides.

3. otherwise; else.

   They had a roof over their heads but not much besides.

preposition

1. over and above; in addition to.

   Besides a mother he has a sister to support.

2. other than; except.

   There's no one here besides Bill and me.

besides

/ bɪˈsaɪdz /

preposition

1. apart from; even considering

   besides costing too much, the scheme is impractical

1. anyway; moreover

adverb

1. as well

Confusables Note

See beside.

Word History and Origins

Origin of besides¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; beside, -s ¹

Synonym Study

Besides, moreover both indicate something additional to what has already been stated. Besides often suggests that the addition is in the nature of an afterthought: The bill cannot be paid as yet; besides, the work is not completed. Moreover is more formal and implies that the addition is something particular, emphatic, or important: I did not like the house; moreover, it was too high-priced.

Example Sentences

And besides being Sam and Ari’s relationship, it was — and is — Cooper’s and my relationship.

From Los Angeles Times

In the end, what distinguishes “Mare of Easttown” from the typical murder mystery and other prestige shows – besides Winslet’s superior performance – is the way it swims with and through grief.

From Salon

And besides, for his mom and dad, a short drive to Pasadena beats a long plane ride to Knoxville, Tenn.

From Los Angeles Times

“Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation,” Musk wrote on Aug. 11.

From Los Angeles Times

But researchers say there are factors besides digital distraction at play, including a national decline in leisure time overall and uneven access to books and libraries.

From Los Angeles Times