before
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/bɪˈfɔːr/
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Marks what comes earlier in time, position, order, or priority.
Examples
The shop is before the bridge.
Wash your hands before lunch.
Her name comes before mine.
He called before the meeting.
She puts family before work.
Similar words
prior to the time when
earlier
ahead of
in front of
ahead of
previously
prior to
ahead of
above
Meanings
Examples
Wash your hands before lunch.
We arrived before noon.
She left before me.
Finish this before Friday.
He called before the meeting.
Examples
Call me before you leave.
I ate before she arrived.
Look both ways before you cross.
We went home before it rained.
Read the note before you decide.
Examples
The shop is before the bridge.
B comes before C.
A man stood before the judge.
The gate is just before the turn.
Her name comes before mine.
Examples
She puts family before work.
Safety comes before speed.
He put his own needs before ours.
The team placed quality before cost.
We must put people before profit.
Etymology
From Old English beforan, “in front of” in place or time, built from elements meaning “by” and “front.”
FAQ
What does before usually mean?
Earlier than a time or event.
Can before connect two actions?
Yes: “Call me before you leave.”
What does “I have been here before” mean?
I was here at an earlier time.
Can before describe place?
Yes, a shop can be before a bridge on a route.
What does “family before work” mean?
Family is treated as a higher priority.
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