before
before Lexical Profile
before Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
At an earlier or previous time; in the past; already.
"Have you ever visited the natural history museum before?"
In front or ahead in position or space.
"The scouts marched on before while the rest of the expedition followed."
• conjunction
Earlier than the time when a specified action or event occurs.
"Please review all the safety instructions carefully before you begin the experiment."
Rather than; sooner than (used to express a strong preference or refusal).
"She would resign from her position before she would compromise her professional ethics."
• preposition
During the period of time preceding a particular event, date, or time.
"All applications must be submitted before the end of the month."
In front of; directly ahead of in space or position.
"A vast expanse of fertile farmland stretched out before the travelers."
In the presence of or submitted to an authority, audience, or official body for consideration or judgment.
"The constitutional amendment will be brought before the committee next week."
In preference to; of higher priority, rank, or importance than.
"The organization consistently places quality and reliability before short-term profit."
• Rhymes for before
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'beforan', meaning 'in front of' or 'previously', formed from the prefix 'be-' (by, near) and 'foran' (in front, ahead), ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root related to 'fore'.