Before: meaning, definitions and examples
⏳
before
[ bɪˈfɔːr ]
in time or order
existing or occurring before in time or order.
Synonyms
in advance of, preceding, prior to
Examples of usage
- The day before yesterday
- We met just before the show started.
earlier than
earlier than (the time or event specified).
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He had never experienced such fear before.
Translations
Translations of the word "before" in other languages:
🇵🇹 antes
🇮🇳 पहले
🇩🇪 vor
🇮🇩 sebelum
🇺🇦 перед
🇵🇱 przed
🇯🇵 前に (まえに)
🇫🇷 avant
🇪🇸 antes
🇹🇷 önce
🇰🇷 전에 (jeon-e)
🇸🇦 قبل
🇨🇿 před
🇸🇰 pred
🇨🇳 之前 (zhīqián)
🇸🇮 pred
🇮🇸 áður en
🇰🇿 бұрын
🇬🇪 მანამდე
🇦🇿 əvvəl
🇲🇽 antes
Etymology
The word 'before' originated from the Old English word 'biforan', which is a combination of 'bi' (by) and 'foran' (in front). The usage of 'before' dates back to the 9th century. Over the centuries, 'before' has evolved to represent the concept of something existing or occurring earlier in time or order.
See also: forecastle, forefather, foreman, foremost, forepart, forest, forever.