aside
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for aside, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — To one side, or out of the way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use aside
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "on sīdan," literally "on the side of" — the same root as beside.
Full origin of aside →Frequently asked questions
What does “aside” mean?
The word “aside” means to one side, or out of the way. In plain terms, either moved out of the way, or a quick side remark that isn't part of the main conversation.
How do you pronounce “aside”?
“Aside” is pronounced uh-SYD (/əˈsaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “aside” in a sentence?
Here is “aside” used in a sentence: “She stepped aside to let the paramedics through.”
What is another word for “aside”?
Words with a similar meaning to “aside” include sidebar and side note.
What part of speech is “aside”?
Depending on how it is used, “aside” can be an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “aside” come from?
The word “aside” comes from Old English. From Old English "on sīdan," literally "on the side of" — the same root as beside.
Is “aside” a common word?
“Aside” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “aside” have?
“Aside” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to one side, or out of the way.
What is the difference between aside and beside?
'Aside' means to one side or out of the way — 'step aside', 'set your fears aside'. 'Beside' means next to or at the side of something — 'sit beside me'. Though both involve a 'side', aside is about moving something away, while beside is about position next to another thing.
What is an example of 'aside'?
You might step aside to let someone pass, move a chair aside to clear space, or put money aside for later. In each case something is shifted to one side or kept out of the way. The phrase 'joking aside' means setting humour to one side to be serious.
What is an aside in a play?
In theatre, an 'aside' is a short remark a character speaks directly to the audience, or to one other character, that the others on stage are meant not to hear. It reveals private thoughts or comments on the action, and the term comes from the idea of speaking off to one side.