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Definition of besides adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

besides

adverb
 
/bɪˈsaɪdz/
 
/bɪˈsaɪdz/
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  1. used for making an extra comment that adds to what you have just said
    • I don't really want to go. Besides, it's too late now.
    Language Bank additionadditionAdding another item
      • Bilingual children do better in IQ tests than children who speak only one language. In addition/What is more, they seem to find it easier to learn a third or even fourth language.
      • Learning another language not only improves children’s job prospects in later life, but also boosts their self-esteem.
      • Teaching children a second language improves their job prospects in later life. Other benefits include increased self-esteem and greater tolerance of other cultures.
      • Another/One further/One additional reason for encouraging bilingual education is that it boosts children’s self-esteem.
      • Studies suggest that bilingual children find it easier to learn additional languages. There is, moreover, increasing evidence that bilingual children perform better across a range of school subjects, not just foreign languages.
      • His claim that children find bilingual education confusing is based on very little evidence. Moreover, the evidence he does provide is seriously flawed.
      • Research has shown that first-language development is not impeded by exposure to a second language. Furthermore, there is no evidence to support the claim that children find bilingual education confusing.
    Which Word? beside / besidesbeside / besides
    • The preposition beside usually means ‘next to something/​somebody’ or ‘at the side of something/​somebody’:
      • Sit here beside me.
      The preposition besides means ‘in addition to something’:
      • What other sports do you play besides hockey?
      Do not use beside with this meaning.
    • The adverb besides is not usually used on its own with the same meaning as the preposition. It is mainly used to give another reason or argument for something:
      • I don’t think I’ll come on Saturday. I have a lot of work to do. Besides, I don’t really like parties.
      • She likes football. Besides, she likes tennis and basketball.
  2. in addition; also
    • discounts on televisions, stereos and much more besides
See besides in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee besides in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

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alloy
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