The expression "be beside oneself" means to be extremely upset or emotional. The phonetic transcription of this phrase is /bi bɪˈsaɪd əmˈsɛlf/, which consists of two syllables in "be" and "side," respectively. The stress falls on the second syllable, "side," with a secondary stress on the first syllable, "be." The spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the phrase, with a soft "s" sound for "beside" and a switch in stress from "be" to "side."
To be beside oneself refers to a state of extreme emotional agitation or turmoil, often resulting from feelings of shock, anger, excitement, or confusion. When someone is beside themselves, they are no longer able to maintain their usual composure or remain in control of their emotions. It is as if they have temporarily lost touch with their normal state of mind.
The phrase "be beside oneself" suggests a state of being so overwhelmed that a person feels detached from their own feelings or actions. They may feel as if they are observing themselves from the outside, almost like an out-of-body experience. This feeling of being beside oneself can manifest in various ways, such as heightened sensitivity, irrational behavior, incoherent speech, or even physical restlessness.
The origins of this expression can be traced back to the Greek word "ekstasis," which means to stand outside of oneself. It implies a sense of standing apart from one's usual self, being separate from one's emotions and thoughts. Being beside oneself conveys a profound state of emotional disarray, where an individual's reactions become uncharacteristic or exaggerated.
Overall, to be beside oneself is an idiomatic expression used to convey extreme psychological and emotional distress, where one is temporarily disconnected from their usual sense of self and rationality.