Beforehand
/bɪˈfɔːrˌhænd/
adverbBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Prior to a specific time or event.
/bɪˈfɔːrˌhænd/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
In advance; earlier.
We prepared the presentation beforehand.
💡 Simply: Before something happens.
More Examples
2
They booked the tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment.
How It's Used
Planning
"It's always best to plan beforehand."
General Use
"I warned them beforehand about the dangers."
From before + hand. Originally implied preparation in advance, literally 'before the hand' (i.e., before the event begins).
The use of 'beforehand' has remained consistent throughout history, emphasizing preparation before an action.
Memory tip
Think of preparing your hands before starting a task.
Practice
before handbeforhand
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written