prep.
Pronunciation: bi- ' s ī d, b ē -
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English be s ī dan at or to the side, from be at (fr. b ī ) + s ī dan, dative & accusative of s ī de side ― more at BY
Date: 13th century
1 a : by the side of <walk beside me> b : in comparison with c : on a par with
2 : BESIDES
3 : not relevant to < beside the point>
– beside oneself : in a state of extreme excitement