Before
/bɪˈfɔːr/
Definitions
3 meaningsIn the period of time preceding something.
/bɪˈfɔːr/
Earlier than; in front of.
The meeting is before lunch.
💡 Simply: Earlier than or in front of.
More Examples
The house is before the park.
How It's Used
"He arrived before me."
"Before the war, life was different."
At an earlier time.
/bɪˈfɔːr/
Previously; earlier.
Have you been here before?
💡 Simply: Previously; earlier.
More Examples
I saw him before.
How It's Used
"I've seen that movie before."
Preferring one thing over another.
/bɪˈfɔːr/
Rather than; instead of.
I prefer to walk before driving.
💡 Simply: Instead of; rather than.
More Examples
She chose to leave before staying.
How It's Used
"I'd rather die before I betray my friends."
Idioms & expressions
before long
Soon; in a short time.
"Before long, the rain will stop."
From Old English *bēforan, composed of *bē (by) + *foran (before). Its meaning and usage have remained relatively consistent throughout history.
The word 'before' has consistently indicated precedence in time and space throughout its history, with subtle variations in its use as a preposition, adverb, and conjunction across different historical periods.
Memory tip
Think 'be-fore' - to be in front of something in time or space.