beside
word
Definition
Used to show that one person or thing is next to another. It can also mean compared with something else, usually in the phrase 'beside the point' or in more literary uses like 'beside herself'.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly, 'beside' means physical position: 'sit beside me'. Learners often confuse it with 'besides': 'beside' = next to; 'besides' = in addition to. In modern everyday English, 'beside' for comparison is less common, but fixed phrases like 'beside the point' are very common.
Example Sentences
The lamp is beside the bed.
basic
She sat beside her friend on the bus.
basic
There is a small table beside the door.
basic
Come sit beside me if you want to see better.
natural
Whether he was late or not is beside the point.
natural
By the end of the day, I was beside myself with stress.
natural