before

[bɪˈfɔː(r)]

before Definition

• 1. during the period of time preceding a particular event, date, or time
• 2. in 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

• after
• following

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.