How Do You Spell BESIDE HIMSELF?

Pronunciation: [bɪsˌa͡ɪd hɪmsˈɛlf] (IPA)

The phrase "beside himself" means to be in a state of extreme emotion or distress. The spelling of the word "beside" is pronounced /bɪˈsaɪd/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word "himself" is pronounced /hɪmˈsɛlf/, also with the stress on the first syllable. The two words are commonly used together to form the phrase "beside himself", which is stressed on the second syllable of "beside" and the first syllable of "himself" (/bɪˈsaɪd hɪmˈsɛlf/).

BESIDE HIMSELF Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "beside himself" is an idiomatic expression that describes a state of extreme emotional distress or agitation. It suggests that a person's emotions or reactions have become so overwhelming that they have lost control over their normal behavior or rational thinking.

   When someone is "beside himself," they are typically experiencing intense feelings of anger, frustration, shock, or grief. These emotions are often so overpowering that the individual becomes temporarily unbalanced, or "beside" their usual self. In this state, they may be unable to think clearly or act in a controlled manner, often exhibiting behaviors that are out of character.

   The term can also imply a temporary loss of self-awareness or consciousness due to acute emotional stress. In this context, a person who is "beside himself" may be so consumed by their emotions that they become disconnected from reality, almost as if they are observing their own actions from an external perspective.

   It's important to note that "beside himself" is a figurative expression and does not imply any actual physical displacement. Instead, it serves as a vivid metaphor to convey the intensity and overwhelming nature of the emotional state being described.

2. Out of his wits.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BESIDE HIMSELF

• beside himselb
• beesidehimself
• b eside himself
• be side himself
• bes ide himself
• besi de himself
• besid e himself
• beside h imself
• beside hi mself
• beside him self
• beside hims elf
• beside himse lf
• beside himsel f

Etymology of BESIDE HIMSELF

The phrase "beside himself" dates back to the 14th century and has its origins in the Middle English word "besiden", which means "by the side of" or "next to". The word "himself" refers to a person's mental or emotional state. Therefore, when someone is described as being "beside himself", it means they are emotionally overwhelmed, out of control, or not in their usual state of mind.