Is beside oneself formal or informal?

It is more formal and literary than everyday words like upset or angry.

Can I say beside myself in speaking?

Yes, but it may sound dramatic. People use it for very strong feelings.

What is the difference between beside oneself and upset?

Upset is general. Beside oneself means much stronger emotion and less control.

← Dictionary

beside-oneself

/bɪˌsaɪd.wʌnzˈsɛlf/

IELTSAcademic

idiom

If someone is beside themselves, they are extremely upset, excited, angry, or worried. It means their feelings are so strong that they seem unable to control themselves.

She was beside herself with worry.
He was beside himself after hearing the news.
The crowd was beside itself with excitement.

Adinary Nuance

Beside oneself is stronger than upset, angry, or excited. It suggests a very intense emotional state. Writers choose it when normal words do not feel strong enough. It often sounds formal or literary, not casual.

In other languages

Vietnamese: cực kỳ
Spanish: fuera de sí
Chinese: 气得发狂
Japanese: 我を忘れて
Korean: 제정신이 아닌

Etymology

This phrase comes from older English, where it meant feeling so strongly that you seem not to be fully in control of yourself. It has been used in English for centuries.

Common phrases

beside oneself with joybeside oneself with angerbeside oneself with worry

Synonyms

overwhelmed distraught beside oneself

Related words

upset angry excited worry

Frequently asked questions

Is beside oneself formal or informal?: It is more formal and literary than everyday words like upset or angry.
Can I say beside myself in speaking?: Yes, but it may sound dramatic. People use it for very strong feelings.
What is the difference between beside oneself and upset?: Upset is general. Beside oneself means much stronger emotion and less control.