before

A1
Pronunciation
/bɪˈfɔː/
/biˈfɔɹ/
Adverb
3 definition(s)
1 Definition

At an earlier time.

Example Sentences
  • I've never done this before.
2 Definition

In advance.

3 Definition

At the front end.

Conjunction
2 definition(s)
1 Definition

In advance of the time when.

2 Definition

Rather or sooner than.

Example Sentences
  • I'll die before I'll tell you anything about it.
Preposition
7 definition(s)
1 Definition

Earlier than (in time).

Example Sentences
  • I want this done before Monday.
2 Definition

In front of in space.

Example Sentences
  • He stood before me.
3 Definition

In the presence of.

Example Sentences
  • He performed before the troops in North Africa.
4 Definition

Under consideration, judgment, authority of (someone).

Example Sentences
  • The case laid before the panel aroused nothing but ridicule.
5 Definition

In store for, in the future of (someone).

6 Definition

In front of, according to a formal system of ordering items.

Example Sentences
  • In alphabetical order, "cat" comes before "dog", "canine" before feline".
7 Definition

At a higher or greater position than, in a ranking.

Example Sentences
  • An entrepreneur puts market share and profit before quality, an amateur intrinsic qualities before economical considerations.