before

Adverb

Adverb

×

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a clause.

1. 1.At an earlier time.

   • This achievement far exceeded anything that had come before.
   • I've never done this before.

2. 2.In advance in position or sequence; ahead.

   • We walked behind while they went before.

3. 3.At the front end.

   • You haven't been here before, have you?
   • Please send this document before the end of the month.
   • Before you put the knife away, please wipe it dry so that it will not rust.

Prep

Preposition

×

A word placed before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show its relationship to another part of the sentence.

1. 1.Earlier than (in time).

   • I want this done before Monday.
   • We made an odd party before the arrival of the Ten, particularly when the Celebrity dropped in for lunch or dinner.

2. 2.In front of in space.

   • We sat before the fire to warm ourselves.
   • His angel, who shall go / Before them in a cloud and pillar of fire.

3. 3.In the presence of.

   • He spoke before a joint session of Congress.
   • He performed before the troops in North Africa.

4. 4.Under consideration, judgment, authority of (someone).

   • The case laid before the panel aroused nothing but ridicule.

Conj

Conjunction

×

A word that links words, phrases, or clauses.

1. 1.In advance of the time when.

   • Brush your teeth before you go to bed.
   • But before this elaborate treatise can become of universal use and ornament to my native country, two points[…] are absolutely necessary.
   • Stephen Ward then had to time his tackle excellently to deny Tarmo Kink as the Wolves winger slid the ball out of play before the Estonian could attempt to beat Given.

Overall

Very common· #239

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Common

General reading & writing

Very common

Academic

Uncommon

Literature

Common