aside
B2Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to one side; out of the way; a remark made in a low voice that is not intended to be heard by everyone present.
A temporary departure from the main topic in speech or writing; something kept in reserve or saved for later; a theatrical convention where a character addresses the audience directly, breaking the fourth wall.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Aside" functions primarily as an adverb, but also as a noun (especially referring to a theatrical comment or a digression). The core spatial meaning (to one side) often extends metaphorically to mean 'not the main focus' or 'kept separate.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Minor spelling differences may appear in derivative terms (e.g., 'set-aside' vs 'set aside' as an adjective). Theatrical term 'aside' is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations. Both use 'aside' for digressions, reservations, and theatrical asides.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
put [object] asideset [object] aside for [purpose]step aside in favour of [person]cast [object] asideaside from [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All joking aside”
- “Set aside differences”
- “Cast aside doubts”
- “Step aside gracefully”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We need to set aside a budget for contingencies."
Academic
"The author makes an interesting aside about the methodological challenges."
Everyday
"Could you move that chair aside, please?"
Technical
In theatre: "The character delivers a crucial aside to the audience." In law: "The judge ordered the jury's remark to be taken aside."
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He pushed his plate aside.
- Stand aside for the emergency services.
American English
- She shoved her doubts aside.
- Please step aside and let them pass.
adjective
British English
- He keeps an aside fund for emergencies.
- The aside comments were noted in the minutes.
American English
- She maintains an aside account for travel.
- The aside remarks were off the record.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Put your toys aside, please.
- She moved the cup aside.
- He set aside some money for his holiday.
- All joking aside, this is a serious problem.
- The minister was forced to step aside amid the scandal.
- She mentioned in an aside that she'd met the author.
- Setting aside the legal technicalities, the moral argument is clear.
- The novel is filled with witty asides directed at the reader.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A-SIDE: Think of stepping to the SIDE of the path. It's either a physical move to the side or a comment that steps to the side of the main conversation.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS CENTRALITY / UNIMPORTANCE IS PERIPHERAL. Moving something 'aside' metaphorically moves it away from the center of attention, making it less important or separate.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'beside' (next to). 'Aside' implies moving *away from* a previous position or focus. The noun 'aside' (реплика в сторону) is a false friend with Russian 'ась?' (meaning 'pardon?').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'aside of' instead of 'aside from' (incorrect). Confusing 'aside' with 'beside'. Incorrectly pluralizing the noun ('asides' is correct for multiple digressions).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'except for' or 'apart from'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'aside' is an adverb and a noun. The prepositional phrase is 'aside from' (meaning 'except for').
'Aside' means 'to or on one side, away,' implying movement or separation from a previous position. 'Beside' means 'next to' or 'at the side of,' indicating static proximity.
Yes, the noun form can be pluralized (e.g., 'His speech was full of witty asides').
It is neutral to formal. It's common in legal, business, and formal planning contexts (e.g., 'funds set aside for research').