Definition & Meaning of "aside"

aside

ADVERB

toward the side and away from the main path

away

off

apart

Example

He turned aside to avoid the obstacle in his path.

The cat jumped aside as the car approached.

1.1

in a diverging or alternate direction

aside

away

into a reserved state, kept apart for future use

away

2.1

intentionally separated or reserved for a particular use or purpose

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.

into a private or secluded space, apart from others

away from the present conversation or consideration

apart

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.

Aside

NOUN

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

soliloquy

stage whisper

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.

a quiet or discreet remark made to someone nearby, not meant for everyone present to hear

Example

He leaned in with an aside to his colleague, questioning the speaker's qualifications.

" This might get awkward, " she muttered in an aside as her ex entered the room.

a digressive or incidental remark that strays from the central topic, often personal, humorous, or reflective

digression

divagation

excursus

parenthesis