besides

American  

[bih-sahydz] / bɪˈsaɪdz /

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.

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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 British  

/ bɪˈsaɪdz /

preposition

1. apart from; even considering

   besides costing too much, the scheme is impractical

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1. anyway; moreover

adverb

1. as well

Commonly Confused

See beside.

Related Words

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.

Etymology

Origin of besides

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

Example Sentences

His favorite aspect of the challenge—besides the community—is the chance to sample exotic, higher-end cocktails, wines and beers that are best sipped and savored.

From The Wall Street Journal

I correctly backed Leeds to get a point when these sides met Elland Road a few weeks back, but this is at Anfield and, besides that, Liverpool look a lot more confident now.

From BBC

As a result, the roles were filled by officers who had had to juggle “other duties besides background investigations” — thereby prolonging the time it took to review an applicant’s background, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

And, besides, there’s another way Notre Dame could have been a lock for the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

It said besides the Southampton branch which had closed, its remaining venues and franchises would remain open and all bookings would be honoured through the festive period.

From BBC