Before: meaning, definitions and examples

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before

[ bɪˈfɔːr ]

^{Context #1}

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.

^{Context #2}

earlier than

earlier than (the time or event specified).

Synonyms

earlier, formerly, previously

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

Word origin

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.