'besides' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'beside,' where 'be-' meant 'by' and 'side' meant 'position or place.'

'beside' changed from the Old English word 'be sidan' and eventually became the modern English word 'besides.'

Initially, it meant 'by the side of,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'in addition to' and 'apart from.'