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aside

adv. · n.
US //əˈsaɪd// UK //ɐsˈaɪd// aside
  1. 1 to one side (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to or on one side so that something is out of the way.

    to one side or away from a central position, typically to clear a path or create space.

    Example

    She stepped aside to let the doctor pass through the crowded hallway.

    Example

    The protesters moved aside as the motorcade approached, though they continued to chant their slogans from the pavement.

    Usage

    Often follows a verb of motion like 'step', 'move', or 'push'.
  2. 2 excluding something (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not including something or keeping it separate from your main thoughts.

    used to indicate that a particular factor is being excluded from consideration or kept separate for later use.

    Example

    Joking aside, we really need to finish this project by five o'clock.

    Example

    Setting aside the obvious financial risks, the board felt that the potential for long-term growth justified the investment.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'setting aside' or after a noun as in 'all jokes aside'.
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  1. 3 theatre/drama (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    a short comment an actor makes to the audience that the other characters cannot hear.

    a dramatic device in which a character speaks to the audience, intended to be unheard by other characters on stage.

    Example

    The villain turned to the audience and made a quick aside about his evil plan.

    Example

    Shakespeare frequently employs the aside to allow characters like Iago to reveal their true motives to the audience while maintaining a facade before their peers.
  2. 4 a side remark (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small comment that is not part of the main subject.

    a remark or story that is not part of the main subject of a conversation or piece of writing.

    Example

    The teacher made a brief aside about his own school days before returning to the history lesson.

    Example

    The author's frequent asides regarding the political climate of the era provide valuable context, even if they occasionally disrupt the narrative flow.
Origin

From Middle English aside, asyde, a-side, oside, from Middle English on side, from Old English on sīdan (literally “on (the) side (of)”), equivalent to a- + side. Compare beside.

Idioms6 entries

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