説明中心

before

[bɪˈfɔː(r)]

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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • soon; in the near future

    Example

    Before long, he became one of the most successful businessmen in the city.

  • prior to the commission of a crime or offense

    Example

    The accomplice was charged with conspiracy before the fact.

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?