Aside: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when putting something to one side or considering a topic separately.

• Let's set these documents aside for now and focus on the main agenda.
• He brushed his concerns aside and continued with the plan.

This word is used to describe a temporary departure from the main topic in speech or writing, often seen as a negative or confusing disruption.

• His lecture was filled with digressions that made it hard to follow the main point.
• She apologized for the digression and brought the discussion back to the main topic.

Often used in both formal and informal settings to provide an observation, opinion, or feedback about something.

• Her comment on the report was insightful and well-received.
• He left a comment on the blog post, praising the author's arguments.

Commonly used when making a casual statement or observation, often during a conversation or in response to something.

• He made a remark about the weather being unusually cold.
• Her remark during the meeting sparked a lively debate.

An 'aside' is used in theater or literature when a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing their thoughts without other characters hearing. It can also mean setting something to one side or reserving it for a special purpose.

• The actor made an aside to the audience, sharing his true feelings.
• She set the documents aside for later review.

A 'soliloquy' is a type of monologue found in drama where a character speaks to themselves, revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience. It is usually not heard by other characters.

• Hamlet’s soliloquy 'To be, or not to be' is one of the most famous in literature.
• She performed a soliloquy that deeply conveyed her character's internal conflict.

'Apart' refers to physical or emotional separation between people or things. It indicates that objects or individuals are some distance away from each other.

• They have lived apart for several years now.
• Keep the fragile items apart to avoid damage.

A 'monologue' is a long speech delivered by one character in a play or by one person in real life. It often presents the speaker’s thoughts or feelings.

• His monologue at the end of the play was powerful and moving.
• The professor delivered a monologue on the importance of ethics in science.

Used to indicate putting something to one side or stepping aside, either physically or metaphorically.

• She put the book aside and reached for her phone.
• He stepped aside to let her pass.

Indicates movement from a particular place or person, or to describe something being absent or distant.

• She walked away from the argument.
• The keys are not here; they must be away somewhere.

Used to direct something or someone towards a lateral position.

• Move the chair to the side to make more room.
• Please step to the side so others can pass.

Implies separation in distance or difference in opinion, time, or function.

• They stood a few feet apart from each other.
• Their opinions on politics set them apart.