Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

besides

 - definition
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
adverb, preposition British English pronunciation: besides /bɪˈsaɪdz/
Besides can be used in the following ways:
as a preposition (followed by a noun): Did you talk to anyone else besides Joan?
as an adverb (without a following noun): I've read all the books on the list and a few others besides.
as a way of starting a new statement and connecting it to the previous statement: I don't want to go shopping. Besides, I haven't got any money.
 
  1. 1
    in addition to someone or something else that is being mentioned

    A lot of them are studying other things besides Italian.

    There are cakes and sandwiches, and lots more besides.

    besides being/doing something:

    Besides being a teammate, he's my friend.

    Besides making money, the company aims to set high standards of quality and design.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of besides
  2. 2
    used when you are adding another stronger reason to support what you are saying

    It's too late to invite any more people. Besides, you know how Tim hates parties.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of besides

This is the British English definition of besides. View American English definition of besides.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for besides.

 

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

wane

getting smaller, weaker, or less important

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog