Beside vs. besides

What does beside mean?

Beside is a proposition meaning at the side of, next to or in addition to. It can be used literally or figuratively.

For example:

• She sat beside me at the dinner party (next to).

• She engaged with stakeholders beside Bob (in addition to).

• It’s beside the point that I was late too (figurative).

What does besides mean?

Besides is a preposition or an adverb which means in addition to or apart from.

For example:

• Besides being an editor, I’m also a writer (preposition, in addition to).

• I didn’t have time to tell you. Besides, I didn’t think you were interested (adverb, in addition to).

What’s the difference between beside and besides?

Beside can mean next to or in addition to, and is used figuratively or literally while besides is a preposition or adverb meaning in addition to or as well.

• She sat beside me at the dinner party because she knew no one else besides me.