during the period of time preceding a particular event, date, or time, in front of or ahead of (someone or something) in position or place

put the cart before the horse, speak before you think, come before someone/something

before long, before the fact, before you know it

Formal and Informal Expressions of before

In different contexts, you can replace 'before' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'prior to, preceding' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'in front of, ahead of' is a commonplace synonym.

before: Explore its Definition & Usage

before Definition

1during the period of time preceding a particular event, date, or time
2in front of or ahead of (someone or something) in position or place

Using before: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "before" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I had seen him before.
Example
We arrived before the concert started.
Example
She stood before the judge.
Example
The sun rose before our eyes.

before Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for before

preceding
prior to
earlier than
in advance of
ahead of

Antonyms for before

Idioms Using before

put the cart before the horse
to do things in the wrong order
Example
You can't start building the house until you have planning permission - don't put the cart before the horse.
speak before you think
to say something without thinking about it first
Example
He has a tendency to speak before he thinks, which often gets him into trouble.
come before someone/something
to be more important than someone or something else
Example
In this company, customer satisfaction always comes before profits.

Phrases with before

before long
soon; in the near future
Example
Before long, he became one of the most successful businessmen in the city.
before the fact
prior to the commission of a crime or offense
Example
The accomplice was charged with conspiracy before the fact.
before you know it
very soon or quickly
Example
Before you know it, the summer will be over and school will start again.

Origins of before

from Old English 'beforan', meaning 'in front of'

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Summary: before in Brief

The term 'before' [bɪˈfɔː(r)] refers to a period of time preceding a particular event, date, or time, as in 'We arrived before the concert started.' It can also mean 'in front of or ahead of (someone or something) in position or place,' as in 'She stood before the judge.' 'Before' extends into phrases like 'before long,' and idioms like 'put the cart before the horse,' denoting doing things in the wrong order.