before
/bɪˈfɔr/
adverb
- At an earlier time; in the past.
- Have you been to Paris before?
- She told me that story long before.
- I have never seen this movie before.
- Ahead in time or order.
- The week before, they had gone camping.
- He had called just minutes before.
- The day before was sunny and warm.
Synonyms
conjunction
- During the time that precedes a particular event or action.
- Think carefully before you answer.
- She always checks the weather before she leaves.
- Before you go, please turn off the lights.
- Rather than; instead of.
- I would die before I betray my friends.
- They would starve before eating that food.
- He chose to walk before taking a taxi.
preposition
- Earlier than a particular time or event.
- Please arrive before 8 o'clock.
- The meeting ended before noon.
- She finished her homework before dinner.
- In front of someone or something in position or order.
- She placed the book before her on the table.
- He stood before the crowd and began to speak.
- The car before us stopped suddenly.
- In the presence of (someone, especially an authority).
- He confessed his crime before the whole court.
- The suspect was brought before the judge.
- She had to appear before the committee.
Synonyms