beside the point
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/bɪˈsaɪd ðə pɔɪnt/
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Not relevant to the matter being discussed.
Examples
She kept bringing up old grievances, which were beside the point to the current issue.
He tried to argue that the color of the car mattered, but that argument is beside the point.
Your comment about the weather is beside the point in this debate.
Even if the policy is popular, that fact is beside the point when we consider its legality.
When we discuss budget cuts, the fact that the project was popular is beside the point.
Similar words
off topic
not pertinent
irrelevant
unrelated
immaterial
Meanings
Examples
Your comment about the weather is beside the point in this debate.
He tried to argue that the color of the car mattered, but that argument is beside the point.
When we discuss budget cuts, the fact that the project was popular is beside the point.
She kept bringing up old grievances, which were beside the point to the current issue.
Even if the policy is popular, that fact is beside the point when we consider its legality.
The teacher reminded the students that their jokes were beside the point during the serious discussion.
Similar words
irrelevant
immaterial
off topic
unrelated
not pertinent
FAQ
What does beside the point mean?
It means not relevant to the issue being discussed.
How is beside the point used in a sentence?
Example: "His comment about the weather is beside the point in this debate."
Is beside the point formal or informal?
It is a neutral idiom, neither formal nor informal.
What are synonyms for beside the point?
Synonyms include irrelevant, immaterial, off topic, unrelated, and not pertinent.
Can beside the point be used in academic writing?
Yes, it can be used in academic writing as a neutral way to say something is not relevant.
Does beside the point mean the same as "off topic"?
Yes, it is synonymous with off topic.
When should I avoid using beside the point?
Avoid it when you need a more precise term like relevant or when the audience expects formal language.
How does beside the point differ from "irrelevant"?
Both mean not relevant, but irrelevant is a direct adjective, while beside the point emphasizes that the matter does not affect the argument.
Is beside the point considered a neutral expression?
Yes, it is a neutral expression.
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