preposition
before
bih-FAW
preposition
1
Earlier than a particular time or event.
"We arrived before the doors even opened."
"Please finish your homework before dinner."
2
In front of, in space or in the presence of someone.
"He stood before the judge to hear the verdict."
adverb
1
At an earlier time; previously.
"I've seen this movie before."
conjunction
1
Earlier than the time when something happens.
"Lock the door before you leave."
How to Use Before
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEarlier than, or in front of, something else in time or space.
Common pairings
before long
the day before
never before
before dinner
Word Forms
befores plural
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We arrived _____ the doors even opened.
Etymology
From Old English beforan, formed from be- plus foran ("in front"), ultimately going back to the same Indo-European root meaning "front" that also gives us "fore" and "forward."