before

be-fore · preposition

imported

Definitions

preposition

  1. 1.

    During the period of time preceding.

  2. 2.

    In front of.

  3. 3.

    In preference to; rather than.

  4. 4.

    Earlier than the time when.

  5. 5.

    At an earlier time; previously.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    before long — Soon.
  • •
    before one's eyes — Visibly; in one's presence.
  • •
    before you know it — Very soon; unexpectedly quickly.
  • •
    the day/week/year before — The previous day/week/year.
  • •
    put before — Present for consideration.
  • •
    come before — Be more important than.

Related words

Antonyms: after, behind, following
See also: after, earlier, previously, prior
Synonyms: earlier than, in front of, previously, prior to

Etymology

From Old English beforan ("before, in front of"), from be- ("by") + foran ("before, in front"), from fore ("before").