Definition & Meaning of "aside"

aside

ADVERB

toward the side and away from the main path

Example

He turned aside to avoid the obstacle in his path.

The cat jumped aside as the car approached.

She stepped aside to let others pass.

distant from; on the other way

away from the present conversation or consideration

Example

We need to set personal preferences aside and focus on what's best for the team.

Aside from his occasional tardiness, he's an excellent employee.

Let's put our differences aside and work together to find a solution.

at a distance from a group or into a private setting for a particular reason

Example

During the meeting, the manager pulled John aside to discuss his performance in private.

At the party, she took her friend aside to talk about a personal issue she was facing.

The coach pulled the player aside to give him some advice without the rest of the team hearing.

** in a different direction

in reserve; not for immediate use

Aside

NOUN

an actor's line that is told to the audience but the other characters on the stage are not intended to hear

What is an "aside"?

An aside is a brief comment or speech made by a character in a play, typically directed to the audience and not intended to be heard by other characters on stage. It provides insight into the character’s thoughts or feelings, often revealing information or personal reflections that are not conveyed through the main dialogue. Asides are used to add depth to the character, advance the plot, or provide a humorous or dramatic effect.

Example

In Shakespearean plays, characters often deliver asides to the audience, revealing their true thoughts and intentions while maintaining a facade with other characters.

The protagonist's aside offered insight into their secret plans, allowing the audience to feel a sense of complicity with the character.

As the villain delivered an aside, the audience gleaned information that the other characters onstage remained unaware of, heightening the suspense of the scene.

a message that departs from the main subject