The expression "beside the point" is often used to indicate that something is not relevant to the current discussion. The spelling of this phrase may seem straightforward, but there can be some confusion with the word "besides." To make it clear, the correct spelling is "beside" without an "s" at the end. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /bɪˈsaɪd ðə pɔɪnt/ which represents the pronunciation of the phrase. Remembering the correct spelling will ensure that your writing and conversations are clear and accurate.
The phrase "beside the point" is an idiomatic expression that is used to indicate that something is irrelevant or not pertinent to the matter being discussed or considered. As a colloquialism, it is often employed to redirect the conversation or to emphasize the fact that a particular issue or statement does not address the main topic at hand.
The idiom is derived from the literal meaning of "beside" as being next to or near something and "the point" referring to the central or important aspect of a matter. When used figuratively, "beside the point" implies that the subject being discussed is off-topic or tangential, lacking significance or relevance to the main issue or argument.
For example, if a group is debating about the benefits of a new policy, and someone starts discussing an unrelated event that occurred years ago, someone might interject, "That's beside the point. We should focus on the impact of the new policy." In this context, the phrase effectively dismisses the irrelevant reference and redirects the discussion back to the main topic.
In summary, "beside the point" refers to an idea or statement that is immaterial, inconsequential, or unrelated to the matter at hand. It serves as a reminder to stay on track or to disregard extraneous details when engaging in a conversation or debate.